Weather window

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

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.

Barn Owl Boxes

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

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)

Twit Twoo

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)