Bishop Monkton Birders

Something a little different

2011-11-26T18:19:00.005Z

I know this is my ringing blog. However, with it being a tad windy for a mist net today I joined Chris and a few of his students down one of our sites for a spot of mammal trapping. Of the 60 traps set overnight about half had success (numbers were apparently very good), with Wood Mouse, Bank Vole, Field Vole and Common Shrew all putting in an appearance. Unfortunately, the Harvest Mouse remained elusive.

Bank Vole

Swallow controls

2011-09-02T08:43:00.001+01:00

On the final day of August things started well and it looked like we were going to get a proper ringing session in for a change. There were plenty of Swallows swirling around the net. But, after the good start, numbers dropped off and the rain moved in so it was yet another early night. On the plus side, we did manage to control 2 Swallows and as they were both off the same ring string I’ll be checking them with our friends at the East Dales Ringing Group prior to submitting the data to the BTO, as on occasion they ring close by.

51 New birds, [2] controls and (1) retrap – Swallow 46[2], Reed Bunting 3(1), Reed Warbler 1, Sand Martin 1.

July update

2011-08-30T21:28:00.007+01:00

A busy few months so hence an update for July when we’re almost in September!

July turned out to be a funny month - It’s normal for us to be inundated with hundreds of Sand Martins but this year they just didn’t seem to turn up, or went early. Not through a lack of trying our Sand Martin tally for the year is less than some single evenings we had last year! We hear others found this too.

That said, while we didn’t get the quantity we did get the quality. Reed Buntings became our staple and Linnet often made its way into the net too. And, of course, there was much excitement when we ringed two Green Sandpiper and two Yellow Wagtail, both new for our site and ringing ticks all round for a change.

Over at our Scarborough site Dave managed a single Storm Petrel, always a dedicated achievement to catch them in Yorkshire.

Green Sandpiper

Yellow Wagtail

706 New birds in July at our Bishop Monkton sites - Green Sandpiper 2, Sand Martin 220, Swallow 130, House Martin 4, Meadow Pipit 5, Yellow Wagtail 2, Pied Wagtail 17, Wren 8, Dunnock 6, Robin 5, Redstart 2, Blackbird 5, Song Thrush 1, Grasshopper Warbler 3, Sedge Warbler 49, Reed Warbler 8, Whitethroat 46, Garden Warbler 1, Blackcap 4, Chiffchaff 14, Willow Warbler 37, Marsh Tit 3, Blue Tit 4, Great Tit 2, Treecreeper 2, Jay 1, Jackdaw 1, Tree Sparrow 3, Chaffinch 3, Greenfinch 1, Goldfinch 18, Linnet 5, Bullfinch 17, Yellowhammer 3, Reed Bunting 74.

Sand Martin session 5

2011-07-25T07:58:00.001+01:00

Just the one ringing session over the past week. A little breezy to start, but it soon calmed down to give better conditions. Once again, species other than Sand Martin made for a large proportion of our ringing session. It’s looking like we’ve either missed the Sand Martins or that they’re just not around in the numbers they were last year. Greenfinch was a bonus ringing tick for Alun – It’s been a while since we’ve caught one!

60 New birds and (2) retraps – Sand Martin 15, Swallow 14, Sedge Warbler 10, Reed Bunting 7(1), Pied Wagtail 5, Whitethroat 1, Reed Warbler 2(1), Greenfinch 1, Goldfinch 1, Chiffchaff 1.

Monthly Totals

2011-07-16T20:37:00.002+01:00

A few nets were opened this morning. But, with only three birds caught rain was on the horizon so it was back home to update IPMR and our website - Where monthly totals for 2011 have been added.

http://www.bishopmonktonbirders.co.uk

2 New birds and (1) retrap - Dunnock 1(1), Whitethroat 1.

A fine start

2011-07-10T13:50:00.006+01:00

The forecast blue sky didn’t materialise. However, the overcast conditions made for perfect ringing until torrential rain brought proceedings to an end a little earlier than we would have liked. Plenty of 3Js around today and young David managed two ringing ticks – Redstart and Jackdaw.

3J Redstart

58 New birds and (10) retraps – Whitethroat 8(1), Sedge Warbler 8, Willow Warbler 5(2), Blackbird 5, Chiffchaff 4(1), Bullfinch 4, Robin 4, Blackcap 3(1), Grasshopper Warbler 2(2), Wren 2(1), Dunnock 2(1), Marsh Tit 2, Yellowhammer 2, Chaffinch 1(1), Jackdaw 1, Great Tit 1, Redstart 1, Reed Bunting 1, Blue Tit 1.

Dave gets a ringing tick (a rare thing these days)

2011-07-02T23:00:00.000+01:00

Convinced the Green Sandpiper would be back Dave started a long night of net checking. By dawn he only had a single Swallow to show for his efforts so he called it a night and went to take the net down. At which point the bird flushed and Dave got a ringing tick on his own patch.

On joining Dave for our planned mornings ringing session we then headed down to our main site to prepare some net lanes for the autumn ringing season.

11 New birds and (3) retraps – Sedge Warbler 4, Whitethroat 3, Willow Warbler 1, Jay 1, Green Sandpiper 1, Swallow 1, Grasshopper Warbler (1), Reed Bunting (1), Reed Warbler (1).

Sand Martin session 2

2011-07-01T23:00:00.000+01:00

Conditions were much better but it was looking like another slow evening. A flypast from a Sparrowhawk didn’t help so a trip to the chip to the chip shop in Boroughbridge ensued. Two Green Sandpiper flew in at about 20:00 to feed on the mud that shows in dry conditions, so another net was hastily put up to cover this. It remained quiet until about 21:45 when the Sand Martins swarmed and hit the net as they came into roost. There were a few retraps from last year and 2 controls - I suspect these controls are from the East Dales Ringing Group who occasionally ring Sand Martins in the area too.

Unlike the Pipistrelle bats the Green Sandpiper bounced the new net as we returned. It was first time I’d seen a bat in the net and now there were five!

152 New birds, (7) retraps and [2] controls – Sand Martin 131 (5) [2], Reed Bunting 12 (1), Sedge Warbler 3, Reed Warbler 2, Whitethroat 1, Chiffchaff 1, Swallow 1, Blackbird 1.

Sand Martin session 1

2011-06-30T23:00:00.002+01:00

This was our first Sand Martin session of the year and to be honest, with the weather being a little breezy and on the cool side, it was a little slow. We did have a good turn out though and we welcomed Claire who joined us for her first taste of ringing.

For me, the evening's highlight was the second flypast of a Hobby; several times it banked and dived steeply over our pond.

19 New birds – Sand Martin 8, Reed Warbler 3, Sedge Warbler 3, Whitethroat 2, Reed Bunting 2, Swallow 1.

Net lane preparation

2011-06-19T20:49:00.000+01:00

It was raining when I awoke this morning so I set off to strim a couple of net lanes in the rain. Somewhat surprisingly, the rain hadn’t touched the ringing site so a couple of nets were hastily erected. 7 New birds and 7 net lanes strimmed – Including one for Sand Martins later this week.

7 New birds and (2) retraps – Robin 2, Long-tailed Tit 1 (1), Whitethroat 1 (1), Sedge Warbler 1, Chaffinch 1, Blackbird 1.

Phew! Rain at last

2011-06-12T18:48:00.011+01:00

With the exception of bringing you the breaking news on the Nightjar I've been too busy to update my blog of late. So here's a photographic snapshot of my ringing over the past week.

What's with the white egg?

Oh how cute

Krazy with a K

Feel the pain

Our new line of insect houses

Makes all the Blue Tits worth while

Slim chance of ringing these

How can you fall in love with this?

The best of neighbours

Seeing red

This one had some buzz about it

With thanks to Pete, Colin, Andy, Kane, the climbers, and everybody else that came along too.

Return of the Nightjar

2011-06-10T08:10:00.007+01:00

With the exception of a brief churr last year, Nightjar have been absent from our area for a number of years. But this year, a small number are back in the Washburn Valley. Both male and female have been sighted so hopefully we’ll have a breeding pair. On this occasion it was the male that was ringed.

Nightjars are back

Long-eared Owl pulli

2011-05-30T22:08:00.003+01:00

It’s looking like the Long-eared Owls have bred at very different times depending on the location this year so while we some pulli are now fledged other potential parents are wing clapping and still to breed so this means we’ve probably missed a few this year. However, on Wednesday I did manage to ring my first Long-eared Owl pulli of the year – Its brother/ sister had already fledged and could be heard in trees close by.

Long-eared Owl ringed on 26 May 2011

Barn Owl bonanza

2011-05-01T07:47:00.003+01:00

On Friday I was out with Andy and Adrian checking a few more Barn Owl boxes. After the harsh winter we weren’t expecting much but it felt like there were Barn Owls everywhere we looked. With boxes still to check we’re up to eight pairs confirmed with most on five eggs. Four Barn Owls were ringed yesterday and there were two retraps – one female in the same box for the third year and another female that’s moved a couple of miles since being ringed last year.

In addition there were three sites with Kestrels all on five eggs and a Stock Dove.

Kestrel - Ringed on 29 April 2011

A proper bird

2011-03-19T21:32:00.002Z

Our first Chiffchaff of the year today.

39 New birds and (20) retraps - Yellowhammer 31 (5), Reed Bunting 3 (6), Chaffinch 2, Robin 1, Treesparrow 1, Chiffchaff 1, Dunnock (6), Goldfinch (2), Marsh Tit (1).

A day of two halves

2011-03-13T20:00:00.001Z

I was optimistic for more Yellowhammers at Bishop Monkton this morning. But, with it looking like rain when I got there only one net was opened - Ten minutes later it was shut again. Breakfast was had, the feeders were topped up and I was back home by nine.

1 New bird and (1) retrap – Yellowhammer 1, Reed Bunting (1).

The afternoon brought a dramatic change in the weather with some glorious sunshine. I joined Andy and others in Wharfedale to put a net up for the Fieldfare we’d seen coming into roost earlier in the week. A nice little catch was had but numbers were nowhere near what we were getting in the Autumn.

8 New birds – Lesser Redpoll 4, Fieldfare 2, Robin 1, Goldcrest 1.

Barn Owl check

2011-03-11T20:00:00.001Z

After a tip-off of a Barn Owl regularly taking food into a derelict building, Andy and I decided to give the building a quick check. Just the one Barn Owl in the eaves when we got there but loads of pellets and potential nesting spots so we’ll be keeping a close eye on this place.

While we there we also gave a nearby successful box from last year a quick check. The female Barn Owl from last year was home and the squirrels had been busy stuffing the box with sticks over the winter so we removed these to give the Barn Owl enough space to breed.

Here comes the sun

2011-03-06T20:00:00.000Z

What a change in the weather compared to Thursday – It felt very spring like today. Nets opened in front of the grain feeders and nets I’ve recently inherited inspected and repaired between net rounds.

23 New birds and (12) retraps – Yellowhammer 16(9), Reed Bunting 3(1), Dunnock 1(1), Great Tit 1, Long-tailed Tit 1, Blue Tit 1, Tree Sparrow (1).

Hammer drill

2011-03-03T20:37:00.001Z

It was a bitterly cold today. I opened the nets with Chris and three of his students - They came with the hope of ringing a few Yellowhammers and that’s what they got.

55 New birds and (20) retraps – Yellowhammer 40(5), Reed Bunting 2(5), Goldfinch 2(4), Chaffinch 3(1), Tree Sparrow 2(1), Great Tit 3, Blue Tit 2, Treecreeper 1, Dunnock (3), Song Thrush (1).

Stop... Hammer time!

2011-03-02T07:45:00.001Z

With my newly found ‘c’ permit freedom, I’ve been making the most of the glimpses of spring this week to net in front of corn feeders at Bishop Monkton and over in Wharfedale. We’re attracting a healthy number of Yellowhammers at Bishop Monkton with flocks into treble figures. We’re also sighting a Barn Owl every time we’re down there – On Thursday afternoon there were great views of it hunting for over 2 hours.

Once again, many thanks to all those who have given up their time to help me gain my ‘c’ permit – particularly Dave and Andy with whom I’ve clocked up over 100 ringing sessions so far.

24 New birds and (10) retraps – Yellowhammer 9(2), Reed Bunting 6(3), Goldfinch 3(2), Brambling 2, Blue Tit 2, Tree Sparrow 1(1), Great Tit 1, Dunnock (2).

Double summertime

2011-02-21T20:20:00.002Z

Great, an extra hour to wait before the Swallows roost, the Owls hoot and the Nightjar churr.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-12523164

It’s grim up north

2011-02-19T20:00:00.000Z

The week started well with 27 Waxwings in the tree behind my house. Hastily I turned my garden into a fruit salad but they’ve not been back since.

This mornings plan to check and maintain Barn Owl boxes with Andy was delayed to the afternoon due to the amount of snow falling. In the end we managed to check around 10 boxes – No Barn Owls present but there were recent pellets in a couple of boxes so fingers crossed for the spring. We’ve also had regular Barn Owl sightings in 5 locations now including one on the fringe of Bishop Monkton.

Yellowhammers are now using our feeder that we erected down Harewood way at the backend of summer. Hopefully, we’ll get some ringing done there during the week.

2010 Totals for Bishop Monkton

2011-01-14T19:12:00.003Z

With wet and windy weather over the past week I’ve found the time to get that last bit of data into IPMR and update our website. It’s been a busy and rewarding year with 3065 birds ringed across 52 species at our sites. If you're interested in the detail including species lists, monthly totals and recoveries then please visit our website:

http://bishopmonktonbirders.co.uk/index.html

Bishop Monkton Ings

A flying start to the New Year

2011-01-02T20:00:00.001Z

I was away doing the relatives thing but some of the team did get out and they had a great start to the New Year. They made a significant dent in the 60 strong flock of Yellowhammers that are frequenting our feeders and they also ringed Mistle Thrush which is a new species for the site - With records going back nearly 30 years a rare event!

64 New birds and (12) retraps – Blackbird (1), Blue Tit 9, Brambling 1, Chaffinch 1, Fieldfare 5, Goldfinch 1, Great Tit 3(1), Great Spotted Woodpecker 1, Marsh Tit 1, Mistle Thrush 1, Redwing (1) Reed Bunting 8(3), Robin (1), Tree Sparrow 3, Yellowhammer 31(1).

Mince pie burn

2010-12-29T20:00:00.000Z

With the harsh weather and with me being away we’d not ringed for a while so it was good to get out for a couple of hours this afternoon for our final ringing session of the year.

19 New birds and (10) retraps – Blackbird 1(1), Chaffinch 4, Dunnock 1(6), Reed Bunting 3(1), Robin (1), Treecreeper (1), Yellowhammer 10.

Warmest spring ever

2010-12-07T20:13:00.005Z

On 24 November I flew out of Britain to spend a month in New Zealand birding, kayaking, hill walking and visiting friends. While Britain is once again gripped in snow chaos New Zealand on the other hand is experiencing one of its warmest springs ever - Since I've been here it's hit +30 degrees most days!

So far I've seen 51 species of birds. Some familiar many not and where they are familiar there's loads of them - Yellowhammers are everywhere which makes a change from the odd one or two we see back home.

Some of the Kea I've seen are ringed. They're a bit like the monkeys in Gibraltar - Turn your back and they're in your rucksack! I've also seen a Red-billed Gull that was colour ringed.

Kea in the Mountains

Bling

2010-11-06T23:55:00.000Z

Natasha and I joined Andy for a spot of roost ringing on this chilly evening with Fieldfare being the target species - Several hundred came into roost and we managed to pick off another seven. An added bonus were seven Brambling caught when a small flock passed through. Brambling are a stunning bird and were another ringing tick for me.

20 New birds ringed – Brambling 7, Fieldfare 7, Bullfinch 2, Goldcrest 2, Siskin 1, Lesser Redpoll 1.

A misty Halloween

2010-10-31T19:44:00.000Z

The glorious sunshine forecast turned out to be mist with the occasional light shower here in Wharfedale. Between showers we managed to ring a few birds this evening but were a little disappointed given the potential – These Fieldfare are proving tricky to catch!

8 New birds ringed – Redwing 5, Fieldfare 2, Bullfinch 1.

Fieldfare good times

2010-10-30T21:15:00.004+01:00

I met up with Andy and Iain this evening with Redwing and Long-eared Owl the target species. The plan soon changed when hundreds of Fieldfare came into roost. To be honest, we weren’t best set up net wise to catch them but we did manage a few so Svensson came out and it was a ringing tick for me. Back there tomorrow so hopefully we’ll get a few more and the odd owl would round Halloween of nicely twoo.

Fieldfare - Ringed on 30 October 2010

23 New birds ringed – Fieldfare 7, Redwing 10, Lesser Redpoll 5, Siskin 1.

Roost ringing 3

2010-10-25T23:59:00.002+01:00

Another fine evening and a few nets opened again for thrushes. Some Redwing around but a distinct lack of Blackbirds so far this year. We also had a quick try for owls but with no instant response we called it a night – we’ll perhaps try owls again next week once them clocks fall back.

11 New birds – Redwing 8, Goldfinch 2, Chaffinch 1.

Weather window

2010-10-23T20:58:00.001+01:00

Predominantly the forecast for this weekend was wet and/or windy. However, we decided we’d try and take advantage of the small weather window forecast for the morning – Dave, not convinced that the weather window would happen, decided to stay out till 2:30am at a party so was a little worse for wear at 6:00am when he looked out to see perfect ringing conditions – to his credit he was still first to arrive for ringing. We managed two net rounds before the wind and rain returned.

Once again the Tawny Owl from Thursday decided to put in appearance – Natasha who’d not seen an owl in the hand before was amazed by this.

64 New birds and (6) retraps – Tawny Owl (1), Blackbird 6(1), Redwing 7, Wren 3, Goldcrest 2, Treecreeper 1, Reed Bunting 1(1), Dunnock 1(2), Blue Tit 1, Chaffinch 3, Goldfinch 31, Tree Sparrow 7, Robin 1(1).

Roost ringing 2

2010-10-21T20:00:00.004+01:00

Compared to yesterday the weather this evening wasn’t good. We opened just a few sheltered nets that are tucked deep in the scrub. Luckily a young Tawny Owl put in an appearance and brightened up this dull evening.

Tawny Owl - Ringed on 21 October 2010

9 New birds – Tawny Owl 1, Redwing 6, Bullfinch 1, Blue Tit 1.

Roost ringing

2010-10-20T20:00:00.000+01:00

It was a glorious evening with clear blue skies and no wind so we decided to try our hand at roost ringing in between repairing the shed roof and topping up the feeders for the winter. Redwing was the catch of the evening and it was good to see Fieldfares migrating too.

In the red

2010-10-17T20:00:00.004+01:00

Another good morning was has by the team with 100 birds ringed down the Ings. It looks like the Redwing and Lesser Redpoll are now passing through in bigger numbers – Hopefully, we’ll manage to ring a few more thrushes mid-week as numbers build and they come home to roost.

Lesser Redpoll

100 New birds and (4) retraps – Treecreeper 1(1), Wren 2, Great Tit 4, Reed Bunting 1, Tree Sparrow 19(1), Goldfinch 49(1), Blue Tit 3, Dunnock 3, Bullfinch 1, Chaffinch 1, Robin 2, Yellow Hammer 1, Blackbird 4, Redwing 7, Song Thrush 2, Long-tailed Tit (1).

I’ve also managed to get out in Wharfedale with Andy a few nights this week and the numbers of Redwing and Lesser Redpoll there have been brilliant. We’ve ringed 31 Redwing, 27 Lesser Redpoll, 30 Goldcrest, numerous tits, a Blackbird, a Chiffchaff and two Siskin (A ringing tick for me).

A quick update

2010-10-10T20:00:00.000+01:00

Busy at present so just a quick update on today’s ringing that included a cracking male Sparrowhawk.

147 New birds and (6) retraps – Sparrowhawk 1, Blackbird 3 (1), Wren
5, Goldcrest 7, Chiffchaff 1, Treecreeper 1, Blackcap 3 (1), Bullfinch
4, Reed Bunting 3, Chaffinch 2 Dunnock 5, Goldfinch 104 (2), Lesser
Redpoll 3, Tree Sparrow 2 Robin 1 (2), Song Thrush 1, Redwing 1.

The best of the retraps were a Blackbird first ringed on 25/10/2007 and a Robin first ringed on 07/11/2006.

Last of the summer line

2010-10-02T18:41:00.002+01:00

Summer’s well and truly over so we were pleasantly surprised to get a break in the weather this morning that allowed for some ringing. There were the odd summer visitors such as Blackcap and Chiffchaff still about but things were a little slow as we’re still awaiting the main influx thrushes.

56 New birds and (5) retraps - Wren 1, Chiffchaff 1, Goldcrest 1, Goldfinch 33 (3), Reed Bunting 1, Dunnock 7 (1), Great Tit 3, Chaffinch 3, Blackcap 2, Robin 1, Coal Tit 1, Blue Tit 2, Long-tailed Tit (1).

Gold rush

2010-09-18T16:03:00.002+01:00

Andy was back today - Having been out of action with an injured toe for a while. It turned out to be a good day for Goldcrest down Timble with 53 ringed. A net round of over 50 birds was also pleasing.

Andy was pleased with the net round

99 New birds – Goldcrest 53, Coal Tit 17, Lesser Redpoll 8, Chiffchaff 7, Long-tailed Tit 7, Blue Tit 3, Great Tit 2, Chaffinch 1, Robin 1.

Website updated

2010-09-17T09:02:00.004+01:00

This windy weather has given me the opportunity to update our website with our monthly species totals so if you're interested in seeing what we've ringed please visit:
http://www.bishopmonktonbirders.co.uk/

Looks like better weather for the weekend so hope to be out ringing then.

Swallow roost ringing again

2010-09-01T22:00:00.003+01:00

A gorgeous summer’s evening with plenty of Swallows about today. Amongst a few other birds, we also caught a 3J Goldfinch in wing moult, something we see more and more these days.

Juvenile Goldfinch - Ringed on 1 September 2010

204 New birds ringed - Swallow 189, Reed Bunting 5, House Martin 2, Whitethroat 1, Sand Martin 4, Pied Wagtail 2, Goldfinch 1.

More roost ringing

2010-08-31T22:00:00.001+01:00

We were out at the pond again targeting the Swallow roost this evening. A little slower than expected with most Swallows being caught in one hit towards the end. Good to see a young Hobby fly past on numerous occasions too.

127 New birds – Swallow 103, Sand Martin 12, Pied Wagtail 5, Sedge Warbler 4, Reed Bunting 3.

Last orders at the pond please

2010-08-30T22:00:00.000+01:00

With high pressure now in charge we went out for a spot of Swallow roost ringing. The recent dry conditions and a lack of standing water meant a number of birds choose to visit our pond for their evening tipple, so somewhat unexpectedly we ended up ringing 14 species, this included a House Sparrow ringing tick for me and younger David.

173 New birds – Reed Bunting 5, Sand Martin 14, Dunnock 1, Great Tit 1, House Martin 2, Yellow Hammer 1, Tree Sparrow 1, Whitethroat 2, Reed Warbler 1, Sedge Warbler, Wren 1, Swallow 131, House Sparrow 9, Pied Wagtail 3.

Hazelnut-brown to bright orange-brown

2010-08-28T13:35:00.003+01:00

For a number of birds Svensson describes the difference in eye colour between juvenile and adult birds. As most birds we catch are juveniles it’s rare we get the chance to see the adult eye colour and over the last year I’ve frequently annoyed my trainer by asking him if it’s an adult coloured eye when it’s so blatantly not. Today however, we caught an adult Whitethroat with a good example of a hazlenut-brown eye.

Adult Whitethroat - Ringed on 28 August 2010

It looks like the Willow Warblers have gone and the Blackcaps have now started. Blackcaps were prolific at our site last year so hopefully we’ll get weather as good as last September so we can ring a good number again.

42 New birds and (2) retraps – Song Thrush 1, Wren 2, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff 1, Coal Tit 1, Blue Tit, Reed Bunting 2, Bullfinch 1, Goldfinch 18 (2), Blackcap 4, Reed Warbler 1, Chaffinch 4, Swallow 1, Whitethroat 1, Sedge Warbler 1, Robin 1.

Over in Wharfedale we’re continuing to target the swallows and have now ringed over 800 at roost. With high pressure forecast we’re sure to add to this total throughout this week.

An early finish

2010-08-13T13:28:00.000+01:00

After a good start to the morning it was an early finish as the wind picked up too much for us to continue. 60 birds were caught and this included a retrap Treecreeper first ringed on 22 July 2006.

58 New birds and (2) retraps – Chiffchaff 1, Willow Warbler 22 (1), Goldcrest 3, Sedge Warbler 2, Chaffinch 3, Whitethroat 7, Reed Bunting 1, Grasshopper Warbler 1, Blue Tit 6, Blackcap 4, Goldfinch 8, Treecreeper (1)

One in a ?

2010-08-10T14:43:00.001+01:00

After a bumper Sand Martin year at Bishop Monkton, we had high hopes for ringing a reasonable turnover of Swallows too. But, they’ve not played ball and have chosen to roost elsewhere - Vice-versa to last year!

In Wharfedale, with Andy, we’ve had more success ringing up to 100 birds in an evening. Somewhat remarkably, with about 300 Swallows caught we’ve managed to control three consecutive ring numbers. What’s the chance of this happening? It’ll be interesting to see how local we are to their ringing location.

Oh I Do Like To Be Beside the Seaside

2010-07-18T22:23:00.003+01:00

For a chance to ring some impressive birds we had a trip over to Long Nab (just north of Scarborough) yesterday evening where we were joined by local birders to have a go at netting Storm Petrels. While Storm Petrels are abundant on say the west coast of Scotland it’s a much harder proposition to net them on Yorkshire’s coastline. At just gone midnight and after a lot of patience luck was on our side. In the space of about half an hour we caught 2 Storm Petrels and a Leach’s Petrel – A bird rarely ringed in Yorkshire.

Storm Petrel – Ringed on 18 July 2010

Leach’s Petrel – Ringed on 18 July 2010

Sand Martins Are Go

2010-07-13T16:42:00.002+01:00

I’ve been a bit slack with my blogging lately but that’s largely down to the amount of ringing our groups done over the past few weeks. Sand Martin season is well underway and we’ve already surpassed our hope of 1000 birds and have now ringed 1186 Sand Martins in total. Our large roost of Sand Martins hasn’t gone unnoticed and we now have two Hobbies regularly using the site as a fly through for an evenings snack!

Sand Martins perched on our net - Dave Bowes

Sand Martin totals for the last few weeks have been – 24/6 15, 25/6 30, 28/06 74, 30/6 82, 1/7 81, 2/7 190, 8/7 374, 9/7 116, 12/7 224.

In addition, we also ringed – Swallow 7, Reed Warbler 11, Sedge Warbler 7, Pied Wagtail 6, Reed Bunting 3, Dunnock 1.

Looking better for the weekend

2010-06-11T20:00:00.003+01:00

It’s been a wet and windy week but I still got out with Andy one evening. The disappointment of fledged Redstarts soon passed when I got to ring a brood of 5 Kestrels and a brood of 3 Long-eared Owls. It seams to have been a good year for Long-eared Owls.

With a bit of luck I should get the chance to ring Red Kite and Buzzard this weekend so fingers crossed.

Kestrel – Ringed on 7/6/2010

Long-eared Owl – Ringed on 7/6/2010

Turtle Power

2010-05-31T08:04:00.006+01:00

Over the past few weeks we’ve had the soft purr and occasional glimpse of Turtle Dove down our ringing site. Finally, we were lucky enough to catch one of a pair and with it being such a rare opportunity to ring this bird we drew straws - I had luck there too.

14 New birds and (13) retraps – Wood Pigeon 1, Turtle Dove 1, Chiffchaff 1, Willow Warbler 1 (1), Dunnock 2 (2), Sedge Warbler 2 (4), Goldfinch 1, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Chaffinch 2 (1), Whitethroat 2 (2), Yellowhammer (1), Reed Bunting (1), Grasshopper Warbler (1)

Turtle Dove - Ringed on 25/5/2010

Cheeky Chaffinches

2010-05-18T17:58:00.000+01:00

Whilst up in Scotland Munro bagging I found myself, on an afternoon packed with heavy showers, parked in the top end of Glenesk that’s situated in the Cairngorms National Park.

Now I’ve often seen birds hop around in the hope of the odd crumb or two but this is the first time I’ve been actively harassed to feed them. Shortly after I parked up a flock of around ten Chaffinch descended onto my car – Eyeing me up from my wing mirror and tapping on the windscreen whilst sitting on my wipers. Winding the window down didn’t bother them (it became just another perch!) and neither did me getting out of the car to reward their persistence with a treat from my car boot. Incidentally, one female Chaffinch was ringed but didn’t quite come close enough for me to read the number.

Chaffinches

Long-eared Owl Chicks

2010-05-15T20:00:00.004+01:00

Yesterday, we had good views of Long-eared Owls hunting at dusk. Whilst heading back to the car we heard their chicks calling so we followed their calls to a rough position but by now it was too dark to pinpoint their exact location. Today we returned and after a short search and some tree climbing we were rewarded.

Long-eared Owl - Ringed on 15/5/2010

Barn Owl Boxes (Day 3)

2010-05-04T22:20:00.002+01:00

An early start to check five boxes and a number of old trees before work today. While there were no Barn Owls, two previously ringed Mandarin that have nested in the same spots for several years got their yearly check-up – Do you think they expect us?

Female Mandarin

Barn Owl Boxes (Day 2)

2010-05-03T16:37:00.000+01:00

A local volunteer project to attract Barn Owls to the countryside around Thorner is showing good results – 2 of their 4 boxes containing Barn Owls today. The first gave some local children the opportunity to see a Barn Owl close up for the first time as Andy put a ring on the bird. Another box contained two Barn Owls sat on a clutch of 3 eggs – both these Owls had been ringed previously.

Barn Owl Boxes

2010-05-02T20:00:00.003+01:00

A small group of us joined Andy today checking Barn Owl boxes in countryside to the north and west of Leeds - 6 Barn Owls in total with 3 being ringed for the first time. There were also 3 clutches of eggs so fingers crossed there will be plenty of chicks to ring in just over a months time.

We also ringed 2 Stock Dove chicks and re-caught a Kestrel ringed by Andy in a previous year.

So far it’s looking like it could be a good year for Barn and Tawny Owls.

Barn Owl – Ringed on 2/5/2010

Kestrel – Ringed in a previous year

Owl boxes

2010-04-11T22:21:00.002+01:00

I was out with Andy and Iain today checking owl boxes in Wharfedale for nesting activity. Four Tawny Owl pairs and two Goosander nests were found - One of the Goosander nests containing 20 eggs!

A very sleepy Tawny Owl – Already ringed

Goosander – Ringed on 05/04/10

So many Goosander eggs they don’t all fit in the shot – (Andy Jowett)

Spring at last

2010-04-10T22:04:00.000+01:00

There were plenty of birds around on this warm spring day and a good selection of species were caught including our first Chiffchaffs and Willow Warbler of the year. 38 new birds and (15 retraps).

Chiffchaff 5 (3), Wren 1, Willow Warbler 1, Reed Bunting 2 (3), Bullfinch 1, Chaffinch 1 (3), Tree Sparrow 5 (1), Marsh Tit 2, Linnet 1, Goldfinch 5 (2), Yellowhammer 8 (1), Great Tit 3, Blue Tit 1 (2), Meadow Pipit 2

Linnet – Ringed on 10/04/2010

Deckchairs out

2010-03-21T21:06:00.007Z

After a frosty start it soon warmed up and there were plenty of birds about - Our first Chiffchaff of the year was heard. 49 new birds and (15 retraps).

Tree Sparrow 4 (1), Blackbird (1), Reed Bunting 14 (6), Dunnock 1 (3), Goldfinch 13 (1), Yellowhammer 13 (3), Robin 1, Meadow Pipit 1, Chaffinch 2

Yellowhammer - Ringed on 21/03/2010 - Dave Bowes

Chaffinch - Ringed on 2/03/2010

Spring at last

2010-03-13T20:00:00.000Z

After a bitterly cold winter it was good to put the nets up in some warm sunshine for a change. 8 new birds and (10 retraps).

Reed Bunting 1 (4), Goldfinch 5 (1), Chaffinch 1, Yellowhammer 1, Robin (1), Dunnock (4)

Yellowhammer - Ringed on 13/03/2009

Bishop Monkton to South Africa

2010-02-25T22:05:00.002Z

I had a quick glance at the 'Demog Blog' today and one of our Swallows has been controlled in South Africa - It's like winning the lottery!

http://btoringing.blogspot.com/2010/02/south-african-swallows.html#comments

A rail of a time

2010-02-12T19:53:00.005Z

A good start to the weekend - Left work early to check the potter traps set at Bishop Monkton and found we'd caught a Water Rail and a Magpie. After nearly a weeks worth of empty traps you'll see from the photo that I was very pleased to catch such a beautiful bird that's often hard to see.

Water Rail - Ringed on 12 February 2010 (D Bowes)

Magpie - Ringed on 12 February 2010 (A Smith)

Bishop Monkton

2010-02-02T18:00:00.001Z

Just one fat rat so far!

Bishop Monkton

2010-02-01T21:17:00.002Z

The quest for the Water Rail continues...

Otley Gravel Pits

2010-01-31T20:15:00.000Z

I walked in this morning to the sound of 200 Curlew taking flight from their roost and a pair of Mute Swans shattering a thin layer of ice that had formed over night.

Met up with Andy and Sean - No luck with Water Rail or Reed Bunting so we moved round to the feeders where we caught about 30 birds including Chaffinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit and Bullfinch.

Traps are set at Bishop Monkton tonight so hopefully I’ll have something to report tomorrow!

A slow start at Bishop Monkton

2010-01-24T18:26:00.001Z

For the first time this year we put the nets up at our Bishop Monkton site. It was a quiet day with only 4 new birds and a few retraps. Our best retrap being a male Reed Bunting that we ringed on 28 March 2005 – Making this bird 5 years old.

On a walk around our site we managed to flush out Woodcock, Snipe and Jack Snipe. Later in the week we may have a go a trying to catch a few.

4 New birds and (9) retraps – Dunnock 1(8), Goldfinch 3, Reed Bunting (1).

Boom time

2010-01-23T18:26:00.002Z

Today I met Andy, Shaun and Ian down Otley Gravel Pits. We had no luck in trapping the Water Rail or Red Kites that were around. However, all was not lost as we got to see the Bittern that’s been there this week – At around midday it flew over our heads and then spent about 30 minutes sitting about 40ft up a distant tree.

We also erected a mist net a the side of the track and caught a small number of birds including Robin, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Chaffinch and Goldfinch.

2009 Totals

2010-01-16T18:02:00.010Z

Six months ago today I ringed my first bird - 3J Sand Martin. Since then I've learnt alot about birds, made a number of new friends along the way and recently become an IPMR expert. Below are my 2009 totals for our Bishop Monkton site.


		New Birds
	Woodpigeon	1
	Tawny Owl	1
	Kingfisher	1
	Sand Martin	6
	Swallow	110
	Meadow Pipit	21
	Pied/White Wagtail	2
	Wren	15
	Dunnock	25
	Robin	18
	Redstart	1
	Blackbird	23
	Song Thrush	29
	Redwing	2
	Grasshopper Warbler	5
	Sedge Warbler	43
	Reed Warbler	13
	Lesser Whitethroat	6
	Whitethroat	19
	Garden Warbler	12
	Blackcap	208
	Chiffchaff	51
	Willow Warbler	44
	Goldcrest	1
	Long-tailed Tit	4
	Blue Tit	11
	Great Tit	11
	Treecreeper	3
	Jay	1
	Starling	1
	Tree Sparrow	15
	Chaffinch	22
	Greenfinch	10
	Goldfinch	131
	Linnet	1
	Lesser Redpoll	34
	Bullfinch	16
	Yellowhammer	1
	Reed Bunting	21
	Grand Total:	939
	Total Species:	39

Gone skiing

2010-01-10T19:44:00.000Z

While I haven’t been ringing this week (to busy skiing) I did get chance to fill the smaller feeders up at our site; they’ve taken quite a hit recently. Amongst the birds still around were numerous Reed Bunting and Yellowhammer - Dave’s heading down with the tractor tomorrow to fill the larger grain feeders so hopefully we’ll get the weather to ring the birds I saw in the next few weeks.

The big freeze continues to draw birds to our towns and cities; ticks for my garden and work (Leeds centre) this week included the occasional Fieldfare and now frequent Redwing.

Nyjer Feeders (A Smith)

Buzzards, Red Kites and Carrion Crows

2010-01-02T20:08:00.003Z

Out with Andy and Shaun today trying to trap Buzzards or Red Kites - The Buzzards just flew past, the Red Kites sat in trees and the Carrion Crow snacked on our rabbit without triggering the trap!

Brrr…it’s cold

2009-12-28T13:54:00.002Z

Today I wrapped up warm and went out ringing down Otley Gravel Pits with Andy from Wharfedale and Calderdale Wild Bird Ringing. We ringed Blue Tit, Dunnock, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Robin, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Treecreeper and Kingfisher.

Andy also showed me where he had trapped Water Rail in previous years and to our surprise we got to see one there today – we may try and trap it in the next few days.

Bullfinch - Ringed on 28 December 2009 (A Smith)

Good weather at last!

2009-12-13T20:00:00.001Z

If you’ve been wondering why we’ve been a bit quiet over the last month or so it’s because it has been raining a bit lately and our ringing site floods badly. At the height of the recent floods some of our feeding stations were completely submerged - They’re about the same height as me!

Two of our group did manage to put a net up by one of our feeders for a short while this morning. It was a slow morning with only 14 birds ringed.

Martin Mere

2009-11-07T20:00:00.001Z

No ringing this week but I did get the chance to pop along to Martin Mere where I got to see ‘Mega Goose Day’. During late afternoon what seemed like an endless stream of Pink-Footed Geese fell out of the sky (20,000 estimate).

I also saw the colour ringed Whooper Swan U7L - it was fitted with a transmitter as part of the WWTs project to track Whooper Swan migration between their breeding grounds in Iceland and their wintering grounds in Britain and Ireland; the transmitter was later removed in Caerlaverock (Scotland) as the mount was seen to be damaged. Progress of other birds in the project can be followed at:
http://whooper.wwt.org.uk/whooper/full-map

Timble Ings

2009-11-04T08:38:00.001Z

Today I got out to Timble with Sean and Andy from Wharfedale and Calderdale Wild Bird Ringing. A different habitat to my usual site so more Redwing, Goldcrest and Fieldfare present in the area. Circa 100 Crossbill have been reported there recently but no luck seeing them today.

Yet more Redpoll

2009-10-18T20:00:00.007+01:00

I didn’t ring myself today but the rest of the group did. Looks like they had another good day with over 100 birds ringed including more Lesser Redpoll and what must be our last Blackcap of the year. In addition, DZ got to ring his first Kingfisher.

Blackcap ringed on 18 October 2009 (D Bass)

Kingfisher ringed on 18 October 2009 (D Bass)

102 Birds ringed in total. Kingfisher (1), Wren (2), Robin (1), Blackbird (18), Song Thrush (12), Redwing (1), Blackcap (1), Marsh Tit (1), Coal Tit (1), Tree Sparrow (18), Chaffinch (1), Goldfinch (14), Lesser Redpoll (26), Reed Bunting (5).

Here come the Redpoll

2009-10-17T20:00:00.001+01:00

It was quiet at first today so we got the breakfast on. At that point, Redpoll started flying into the net at a rate of about one a minute and they were even flying in as we stood there extracting the rest of the flock.

We passed one of Dave’s sneaky tests today - He extracted a Redwing without us knowing and hung the bag up amongst the Song Thrushes to see if we’d notice.

Also, I got to ring my first Yellowhammer and DZ got to ring his first Jay.

Yellowhammer ringed on 17 October 2009 (A Smith)

132 Birds ringed in total. Wren (7), Dunnock (4), Robin (2), Blackbird (11), Song Thrush (13), Redwing (4), Great Tit (1), Jay (1), Tree Sparrow (19), Greenfinch (2), Goldfinch (11), Lesser Redpoll (56), Yellowhammer (1).

Roost ringing

2009-10-14T21:21:00.003+01:00

Having spotted many Redwings over the past few days Dave sent a text round mid-afternoon to see if people were up for some roost ringing; heading to our site straight from work I won best dressed ringer.

In addition to Redwings, Blackbirds and Song Thrushes we managed to re-trap the first bird we ringed on New Years day this year – a Dunnock.

19 Birds ringed in total. Blackbird (7), Song Thrush (9), Redwing (2), Bullfinch (1).

Colour ringed Tree Sparrow

2009-10-11T20:00:00.009+01:00

Although it was quieter today, we did have a couple birds of interest. The first of these was a juvenile Jay that was a ringing tick for me - a vicious bird that managed to take a chunk out of Dave’s finger as he removed it from the net.

Jay ringed on 11 October 2009 (A Smith)

Our second bird of interest was a control Tree Sparrow with a metal ring on its right leg and light blue colour ring on the left. Does anybody know what project this was?

Tree Sparrow (A Smith)

75 Birds ringed in total. Wren (2), Dunnock (1), Robin (2), Blackbird (3), Song Thrush (5), Blackcap (6), Coal Tit (1), Blue Tit (6), Jay (1), Tree Sparrow (12), Chaffinch (4), Goldfinch (25), Lesser Redpoll (4), Bullfinch (3).

Fuglekongs

2009-10-09T20:00:00.000+01:00

Plenty of birds ringed today, but no Fuglekongs.

156 Birds ringed in total. Wren (3), Dunnock (4), Robin (1), Blackbird (10), Song Thrush (27), Blackcap (8), Chiffchaff (2), Tree Sparrow (63), Chaffinch (10), Greenfinch (1), Goldfinch (22), Siskin (1), Bullfinch (3), Reed Bunting (1).

Recent recoveries

2009-10-03T19:59:00.005+01:00

A Tawny Owl we ringed on 11th may 1997 as a pulli was found injured near Newby Hall on 1st August 2009. A distance of only 5km but 4465 days a very good age.

A Sand Martin ringed at Weather Hills Pond on11th August 2005 was recovered on 11th June 2009 near Lockerbie in Scotland. We guess it had returned to its natal area to breed; an interesting insight as to where our passage birds come from.

Rain stops play

2009-10-02T22:16:00.002+01:00

From the outset, rain was on the horizon today so fewer nets were opened than usual. As there didn’t appear to be many birds around we started to set up a run of chicken wire for catching water rail later in the season – as we were setting up we heard one squeal! Our plan was soon abandoned as a large flock of birds hit the net at our feeding station. Birds caught included a Yellowhammer & Chaffinch that we ringed last autumn. After that the rain set in.

48 Birds ringed in total. Goldfinch (34), Blackcap (1), Meadow Pipit (4), Yellowhammer (1), Tree Sparrow (7), Wren (1).

Hawk aye

2009-09-26T20:00:00.002+01:00

Yet another early start and a good morning’s ringing with 120 birds and 19 species ringed. DZ let slip a retrap Tree Sparrow so was on breakfast duties once again. However, this bird’s bid for freedom may have attracted in one of our next birds – a Sparrowhawk. This was DZ’s first time of holding a bird of prey and as he pulled it out the bag it would be fair to say it had as good a hold on him as he had on it. Also of interest was a wren with white primaries.

120 Birds ringed in total. Sparrowhawk (1), Wren (3), Dunnock (1), Robin (3), Blackbird (8), Song Thrush (10), Reed Warbler (1), Blackcap (20), Chiffchaff (4), Goldcrest (1), Blue Tit (1), Great Tit (1), Treecreeper (1), Tree Sparrow (1), Chaffinch (6), Greenfinch (1), Goldfinch (47), Linnet (3) Reed Bunting (7).

Sparrowhawk ringed on 26 September 2009 (A Smith)

Wren ringed on 26 September 2009 (A Smith)

Phew, what a scorcher

2009-09-20T18:55:00.005+01:00

As we opened the nets this morning it was quieter than yesterday so Dave predicted there would be fewer birds. He was right – there were seven fewer. We ringed twenty two species of which four were new for me – Goldcrest, Lesser Redpoll, Tree Sparrow and Greenfinch. A little surprisingly, for this time of year, we ringed five Sedge Warblers and a Reed Warbler; September’s turning out to be a real cracker.

Sunrise at our site (A Smith)

166 Birds ringed in total. Meadow Pipit (18), Wren (3), Dunnock (2), Robin (9), Blackbird (6), Song Thrush (7), Sedge Warbler (5), Reed Warbler (1), Whitethroat (1), Garden Warbler (1), Blackcap (38), Chiffchaff (15), Goldcrest (1), Long-tailed Tit (1), Coal Tit (1), Great Tit (1), Tree Sparrow (1), Chaffinch (7), Greenfinch (9), Goldfinch (30), Lesser Redpoll (2), Reed Bunting (7).

Lesser Redpoll ringed on 20 September 2009 (A Smith)

In an attempt to send more birds our way we deployed our combine into the adjacent bean field (A Smith)

2000 Calories per serving

2009-09-19T17:57:00.004+01:00

It’s been a busy morning with Meadow Pipits, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and Goldfinches all turning up in abundance. Breakfast was a little later than usual and the fry-up was shunned by DW who announced the start of his diet; choosing instead to go with several slices of banana and walnut cake - 2 of your 5 a day! There was plenty of bacon, sausages and black pudding for the rest of us so competitive butty making ensued.

Yum Yum (D Watkins)

In fumbling a couple of un-ringed birds DZ volunteered to put his new found cooking skills in to practice for the foreseeable future.

173 Birds ringed in total. Meadow Pipit (15), Wren (2), Dunnock (1), Robin (8), Blackbird (7), Song Thrush (4), Sedge Warbler (1), Reed Warbler (1), Garden Warbler (2), Blackcap (65), Chiffchaff (15), Blue Tit (2), Treecreeper (1), Chaffinch (4), Goldfinch (43), Reed Bunting (2).

Quiet around here

2009-09-15T17:14:00.001+01:00

A stiffer breeze than forecast and bright blue skies made for poor ringing conditions with only 30 birds ringed this morning. By 8:00 we’d polished off the bacon butties and by 9:00 we’d cut a new net lane where we plan to catch migrating thrushes in the coming weeks.

30 Birds ringed in total. Wren (1), Robin (3), Blackbird (1), Song Thrush (5), Blackcap (11), Chiffchaff (3), Willow Warbler (1), Chaffinch (1), Goldfinch (4).

Fly on the wall

2009-09-13T18:06:00.003+01:00

Another good ringing session today with our first Spotted Flycatcher of the year.

80 Birds ringed in total. Wren (1), Dunnock (1), Robin (1), Blackbird (3), Sedge Warbler (1), Lesser Whitethroat (1), Whitethroat (1), Blackcap (38), Chiffchaff (8), Spotted Flycatcher (1), Great Tit (1), Chaffinch (3), Greenfinch (2), Goldfinch (17), Reed Bunting (1).

On your way now

2009-09-11T19:05:00.004+01:00

For the third day in succession we were blessed with brilliant ringing conditions. Once again Blackcaps were the theme of the morning and with three of us ringing today they were a little less tedious. Incidentally, we noticed that male Blackcaps made up most of the first net round and females evidently like that extra half-hour in bed as they made up most of the second. We also ringed what must by now be our last Willow Warbler of the season.

106 Birds ringed in total and 1 control Sedge Warbler. Wren (4), Dunnock (3), Robin (4), Blackbird (1), Song Thrush (4), Long-tailed Tit (6), Treecreeper (1), Sedge Warbler (1), Whitethroat (1), Blackcap (60), Garden Warbler (1), Chiffchaff (4), Willow Warbler (1), Goldfinch (6), Chaffinch (3), Reed Bunting (6).

In at the deep end

2009-09-10T17:59:00.006+01:00

It's been another busy day ringing with 60+ birds in the first net round alone. Once again Blackcaps were the order of the day. Highlights today were a Kingfisher and Dave falling off Pomroy's bridge into Pomroy's wet bottom.

125 Birds ringed in total. Kingfisher (1), Meadow Pipit (3), Wren (4), Dunnock (8), Robin (2), Blackbird (3), Song Thrush (2), Great Tit (4), Blue Tit (2), Sedge Warbler (3), Reed Warbler (1), Lesser Whitethroat (3), Whitethroat (3), Blackcap (63), Chiffchaff (12), Goldfinch (7), Chaffinch (3), Reed Bunting (1).

Kingfisher ringed on 10 September 2009 (A Smith)

Brimstone Butterfly (A Smith)

Twit Twoo

2009-09-09T19:15:00.013+01:00

Sometimes it pays to get up early and as Dave opened the nets this morning our first bird flew in right behind him - It was a Tawny Owl. After this rare treat, it was mainly Blackcaps for the next few hours and by the time I left for work at 9:00 we'd already ringed 60 birds.

76 Birds ringed in total. Tawny Owl (1), Meadow Pipit (2), Wren (1), Robin (2), Blackbird (3), Song Thrush (6), Great Tit (3), Blue Tit (2), Sedge Warbler (2), Blackcap (22), Chiffchaff (12),
Goldfinch (11), Chaffinch (2), Bullfinch (3), Reed Bunting (4).

Dave admires the Tawny Owl (A Smith)

Tawny Owl ringed on 9 September 2009 (A Smith)

Water rails

2009-09-07T18:59:00.000+01:00

This autumn we hope to to do some ringing of Water Rails ..this scarce and secretive marsh bird occurs each year at Bishop Monkton Ings as well as several other sites locally. It oftens gives itself away with it's harsh squealing call... but at times can easily go unoticed

Tower Wanted

2009-09-07T18:57:00.001+01:00

We're looking for a 15ft high scaffolding tower to be erected as an observation tower. If you know of an unwanted one let us know!

Great time of year ...

2009-09-07T18:45:00.000+01:00

Great time of year, from now until early Nov, with some easterlies anything could turn up .... what will we find in those nets? Hope to join you on Friday ...David

Bishop Monkton Birders start blogging

2009-09-07T18:07:00.000+01:00

To add to our website and twitters, through this blog we will be keeping a diary of our bird ringing activities. With a good forecast for the week ahead we hope to be out ringing on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Lesser Whitethroat ringed on 23 August 2009 (D Watkins)