01229 Ringing Group

Interesting Blaca

2012-01-30T04:17:00.000-08:00

Present KH, LH, AM, RG and JS. Eskmeals 28/01/2012

Perfect ringing conditions and, as a fortnight ago, a slow start but a good final total. The Bullfinch obviously roost away from our net sites, as we are there two hours before they honour us with their presence. On our last visit to this site the blog was entitled "Bullfinch Bonanza", today we had twice as many new birds and went well past the 100 colour ringed.

A total of 142 birds was processed of 16 species, re-traps shown in brackets. They were as follows: Wren 1(1), Dunnock (4), Robin 5(6), Blackbird 8(3), Fieldfare 3, Song Thrush 4, Redwing 2, Blackcap 6(2), Goldcrest 2(1), Long-tailed Tit 4(4), Coal Tit 3(7), Blue Tit 5(17), Great Tit 3(5), Treecreeper 1(1), Chaffinch 3(2), Bullfinch 34(5).

Blackcaps always remind me of little boys whose mothers cut their hair with the use of a pudding bowl. The bird below looks like his mum has given him some highlights

Bullfinch Bonanza

2012-01-16T08:27:00.000-08:00

Present : JS, AM, RG, LH, KH. Eskmeals 14/01/2012

Although we knew we were close to processing a 100 birds the cold wind got into old bones. Too cold to do a count we finished and found out later we were 1 short of the ton.

Ninety-nine birds of sixteen species were processed.They were as follows with re-traps shown in brackets; Sparrowhawk 1, Wren 1(1), Dunnock 2, Robin 4(4), Blackbird 7(2), Fieldfare 7, Song Thrush 3, Redwing 4, Blackcap 5, Coal Tit 3(1), Blue Tit 3(17), Great Tit 2, Treecreeper 1, Chaffinch 5(1), Greenfinch 1, Bullfinch 17(7).

Below are three photographs of some interest taken on the day.

Song Thrush Replacing Lost Feathers

Notice How Sunlight changes Eyes

Blackbird Twisted and Crossed Bill

Black Highlight and Colour Ringed Twite

2011-11-22T09:01:00.000-08:00

NOVEMBER SO FAR

This November there has been three ringing sessions at Eskmeals one at Askam and one in Roudsea Wood. Active KH, AM, RG. JS and CG.

A total of 355 birds processed of 23 species.

They were as follows,(re-traps). Sparrowhawk (1), Great Spotted Woodpecker 1(1), Wren 9(2), Dunnock 11(2), Robin 16(10), Blackbird 24(4), Fieldfare 6, Song Thrush 16(1), Redwing 2, Blackcap 14, Goldcrest 10(1), Long-tailed Tit 3(4), Marsh Tit 3(2), Coal Tit 19(11), Blue Tit 38(11), Gret Tit 11(7), Nuthatch 2, Treecreeper 1(2), Carrion Crow 1, Chaffinch 5(1), Greenfinch 3, Bullfinch 58(16), Twite 19(7).

TWITE

The Twite catching season kicked off with a catch of 26 birds and some interesting colour ring re-sightings. Three Heysham (Morecambe) ringed birds. Two Mull of Kintire and one Isle of Man ringed bird.

RINGED PLOVER

The details of a controlled Ring Plover with a Belgian ring were received this month.

Ringed as a 5 in January 2002 in Senegal (for those with poor geography skills see location indicator at the bottom of the page). It was controlled at Priory Point (Morecambe Bay) May 2010. 4650 kilometres and 15 degrees NNE.

CARRION CROW

The team could not remember when if at all we had caught a Carrion Crow in a mist net. All were presently surprised at how easily the bird was to handle.

Marsh Tit R.A.S. in Roudsea Wood

2011-10-22T04:29:00.000-07:00

Present KH, RG and CG.

The group has decided to continue the work that Jim Fowler had been doing over the last 6 years on a Marsh Tit RAS in Roudsea Woods (to see location see link below). We colour ringed 3 Marsh Tits and had the following bye-catch, re-traps in brackets.

Great Spotted Woodpecker (1), Wren 1, Marsh Tit 3, Coal Tit 10(3), Blue Tit 10(2), Great Tit 10(2), Chaffinch 4, Greenfinch1.

White Ring Being Placed Over Carmine - Marsh Tit.

Marsh Tit - Typical Ring Combinations

Bullfinch R.A.S. Kick-off

2011-10-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

This last weekend the 15th and 16th of October different members were active on different days at Eskmeals. JS, MW, RG, CG, LH and KH. 123 birds of 15 species were processed. They were as follows, re-traps in brackets. Sparrowhawk 1, Wren 3(1), Dunnock 4(2), Robin 3(1), Blackbird 10(1), Song Thrush 5, Blackcap 10, Chiffchaff 2, Goldcrest 9, Long-tailed Tit 2(1), Coal Tit 7(6), Blue Tit 12(4), Great Tit 3(2), Chaffinch 7, Bullfinch 22(3).

A tape lure was used successfully to increase Bullfinch numbers as the group is attempting a RAS. The first colour combination used was Violet over Violet Left Leg with Violet over metal Right Leg The ring was placed on a female so you can guess what she will be called, if we see her again.

First Male Colour Ringed Bullfinch

September Ringing Totals and Colour Flagged Tunstone

2011-10-10T02:20:00.000-07:00

The group totals for September were lower than average due to the weather and holidays They were as follows with retraps shown (**) : Wren 2, Dunnock 5(4), Robin 11(1), Blackbird 2(1), Song Thrush 1, Blackcap 5, Chiffchaff 8, Goldcrest 13, Long-tailed Tit (2), Coal Tit 3 (3), Blue Tit 11 (4), Great Tit 2 (2), Chaffinch 5, Greenfinch 2, Bullfinch 19 (1).

A Ruddy Turnstone was seen on 23/03/2011 at one of our ringing sites (Foulney Island) . The white flag, it probably had another on its other leg, indicates it was ringed in Autumn 1994 at Nunavut, Ellesmere Island CANADA. We saw another on Foulney in 2007 and I would strongly suggest that this is the same bird.

If you wish to see where Ellesmere Island is click on the location below the comments

Photograph K Hindmarch

Isle of May Trip

2011-10-06T05:27:00.000-07:00

Present MW, RG, CG, LH, KH and (Mike Easton, Temporary Member).

This trip which some of the team take annually is very weather dependant. The most successful ones being with some Easterly wind during the week. Everyone enjoyed the week of hot weather but Southerly winds. It was so hot at one stage I cooked my camera taking Gannet photographs, just as they were getting closer. Only 140+ birds were ringed and the winter thrushes arrived as we were leaving. Further photographs will be posted on my other blog.

Colin,Maynall,Ken, Linda and Rosalyn towards end of the week

Determined to do Better Next Year

This Spotted Flycatcher gave one Person Identification Problems

Our Constant Companions Unless You Were Carrying A Camera

August Totals - Chiffchaff Most Numerous

2011-09-08T02:44:00.000-07:00

Present AM, JS, CG, RG, LH and KH.
The month and it's weather only gave the group two chances to meet and thus the numbers were as follows.
A total of 88 birds of 17 species. Wren 5, Dunnock 6, Robin 11, Blackbird 1, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Whitethroat 4, Garden Warbler 2, Blackcap 8, Chiffchaff 15, Willow Warbler 3, Goldcrest 3, Long-tailed Tit 1, Coal Tit 1, Blue Tit 7, Great Tit 9, Jay 1, Bullfinch 10.
Four of the members are off to "The Isle of May" to increase our species knowledge. Great Grey Shrikes and Ring Ouzels here we come.

Group Meets N.W. Swan Group Member.

2011-08-14T12:03:00.000-07:00

Present JS. KH. RG. and CG. Jack Sheldon is a member of our group and The North West Swan Ringing Group. Through Jack, who has taken these photographs and is therefore not on any, it was arranged to extend our skills/knowledge by ringing Mute Swans. Charles Findley showed the members the finer points of how to do this. The day before, we were ringing birds 1000 times lighter in weight and thanks to his patience we each ringed, and colour ringed, 4 birds each. Detailed photographs and notes were taken of each stage for future expeditions. A few are shown here to give a flavour of the day. Thanks again Charles.

A Picture of Rural Tranquillity

Trussed and Indignant

Charles Shows Weighing Technique

Colin is not thinking of "Chicken In A Basket"

June and July Updates

2011-07-28T05:40:00.000-07:00

Present AM, JS, MW, RG, CG, LH, and KH.
The weekend weather for these two months was poor, but a total of 29 species were ringed some of which were pullus.
They were as follows:
Oystercatcher 5, Herring Gull 1, Great Spotted Woodpecker 1, Tree Pipit 1, Dipper 4, Wren 9, Dunnock 20, Robin 26, Blackbird 7, Song Thrush 5, Mistle Thrush 1, Lesser Whitethroat 8, Whitethroat 5, Artic Tern 5, Little Tern 2, Ringed Plover 10, Garden Warbler 2, Blackcap 31, Chiffchaff 31, Willow Warbler 25, Goldcrest 2, Pied Flycatcher 63, Marsh Tit 3, Coal Tit 12, Blue Tit 19. Great Tit 13, Treecreeper 4, Chaffinch 5, Bullfinch 15.

The photographs below typify the two months catching, interesting but not inspiring.

Song Thrush that had been anting.

Not a Juvenile to Catch on First Outing Alone

Bill Not Broken ,Malformed.

Worth a Picture as Not Caught Often

Pallid and Common Swift Ringing - Spain May 2011

2011-05-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

Present RG, CG, and KH.

A Spanish Ringer kindly took us to a building site in Algerciras. Work on this part built block of flats in the middle of the town had come to a halt two or three years earlier. We were soon catching swifts even before having fully positioned the first net. The birds more often than not were caught on the way out as they could not turn sharp enough to use the net free window in through which they had entered. It was decided to stop catching as soon as we re-trapped a bird caught that day.50 swifts were caught of which 43 were Pallid Swift. Full biometrics were taken and only one bird was found to be aged 5. The primaries of both species were extremely stiff and unusually course to the touch. The Common Swifts were stronger and more difficult to handle, both species had extremely sharp claws The experience was one not to be missed.

Nets Up At Some Windows

Pallid Swift Apus pallidus

Pallid Swift

Pallid Swift Wing

Common Swift Wing

Successful - Ring Plover Catch - Walney. 19/05/2011

2011-05-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

Present JS, AM, CG, RG, MW, KH and members of the Morecambe Bay Ringing Group.

The plan was to utilise the fact that Ring Plovers always roost higher up the beach than other waders.

94 Ring Plovers and 4 Dunlin were caught with one Ring Plover re-trap caught previously a few miles away almost one year to the day. The Dunlin were all of the schinzii race. Full biometrics were taken and the Ring Plovers all were within the range of the British group but due to overlap in the wing size range some could be from Greenland or N.Scand/USSR. Only one was identified as aged 5 and its biometrics, wing and weight helped confirm it as a juvenile . It had the smallest wing and weighed less than any of the other 94.

Just After The Cannons Fired

Jack Does A Quick Stock Take

Male Ring Plover

Jim Fowler

2011-05-15T08:23:00.000-07:00

It is with great sadness that I publish this post. Dr.J.A.Fowler died of a heart attack whilst canoeing last week on Coniston Water. I will publish a list of the birds seen and some photographs of his recent trip to Australia in the next few days.The following link is a touching tribute to Jim . http://dailybitsnbobs.blogspot.com/

Pair of Goldcrest Return to Eskmeals 16/04/2011

2011-04-17T08:49:00.000-07:00

Present RG, CG, AM, JS and KH.
On imputing two re-trap Goldcrests into IPMR I noticed that this male and female had been caught together approximately 12 months earlier. A pair of Pied Wagtails were an unusual catch for this site, being only the third and fourth caught in 23 years. The photograph below illustrates how they started a debate. Motacilla alba or yarrellii. Close examination on site and then of photos taken and the use of reference books confirmed that both were yarrellii.

Bird on Right Lighter than Photograph Shows

A total of 66 birds processed 22 of which were re-traps. They were as follows,(re-traps): Pied Wagtail 2, Wren 4(1), Dunnock 3(2), Robin 3(5), Blackbird 1(2), Song Thrush 1, Blackcap 5(1), Chiffchaff 3(5), Willow Warbler 3, Goldcrest (2), Coal Tit 1(1), Blue Tit 2, Chafffinch 4, Lesser Redpoll 2(1), Bullfinch 10 (2).

Redstart and Returning Migrants 09/04/2011

2011-04-11T02:51:00.000-07:00

Present: RG; CG; AM; KH and JS.
A total of 45 birds of 11 species were processed of which 9 were (re-traps). They were as follows. Wren (1), Redstart 1, Blackbird (1), Blackcap 3(0), Chiffchaff 8(1), Willow warbler 5(1), Long-tailed-Tit 1(1), Coal Tit (1), Chaffinch 5, Lesser Redpoll 2, Bullfinch 9(3). The highlight was a male Redstart. This was unfortunately only seen by myself as I was working some distance from the others and the birds welfare comes first. It was the first I had handled in the spring and I could not believe the amount of feather abrasion.. A photograph is included for the benefit of the others in the group. The two returning warblers were of no significant age.

Can Anyone Age This?

Feathers Stuck Together by Nectar.

Blues at Hay Bridge 19/03/2011

2011-03-21T11:47:00.000-07:00

Present KH, RG and CG

After 101 Siskins we returned to the same site 10 days later and complete silence. The noise from the flock had been remarkable. 96 birds were processed of 12 species (re-traps).Great Spotted Woodpecker 2, Dunnock 1, Robin 1, Long-tailed Tit 2, Marsh Tit (1), Coal Tit 4 (2), Blue Tit 34 (13), Great Tit 8 (5), Nuthatch1, Chaffinch 12, Goldfinch7, Siskin 3. The only thing of note was an adult male Chaffinch with a wing of 93mm and the sorry state of the Blue Tit shown below.

Is this Feather Mite?

Some Degradation

This Wing Okay

101 Siskins Ringed 09/03/2011

2011-03-10T10:02:00.000-08:00

Present JS , KH, RG and CG

A not at all promising day turned out to be the opposite. Strong West Winds with rain almost led to the cancelling of the day at Hay Bridge. It was only the horrible forecast for the rest of the week that decided us to have a go. We took with us some drop traps as insurance against the high winds The birds processed were as follows, (re-traps). Robin 0 (1), Blackbird 0 (1), Long-tailed Tit 1 (1), Blue Tit 18 (3), Great Tit 2, Treecreeper 1, Chaffinch 13, Goldfinch 11, Siskin 101 (3), Lesser Redpoll 9 (2). We had two controls a Siskin and the last bird of the day a Lesser Redpoll.

Chardonnerets - Taken, used successfully at the start.

One of the One Hundred and One

Too Busy to Pose

Roudsea 7 March 2011

2011-03-08T04:30:00.000-08:00

Present: JAF, CG, RG.

64 birds processed, 20 new (additional retraps in brackets): Marsh Tit (4); Coal Tit 3 (+2); Blue Tit 8 (+18); Great Tit 8 (+19); Nuthatch 1; Chaffinch (1).

Ros and Colin extract from a mist net set in coppiced hazel scrub

Rassing Day 2

2011-03-03T10:45:00.000-08:00

Roudsea Woods and Mosses NNR, 2 March 2011
Present: JAF, KW, PM
A quieter day, 47 birds processed, 17 new (additional retraps in brackets): Marsh Tit (4); Coal Tit 1 (+1); Blue Tit 13 (+17); Great Tit 2 (+7); Nuthatch (1); Chaffinch 1.

Pam records while Kim processes a Nuthatch

Let the Rassing commence!

2011-03-01T12:49:00.000-08:00

Roudsea Woods and Mosses NNR, 1 March 2011, Present JAF

A good start on the first day of the Marsh Tit RAS season with one new bird and 18 retraps/re-sightings.

A total of 116 birds processed, 39 new (additional retraps in brackets): Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 (+3); Marsh Tit 1 (+18); Coal Tit 2 (+2); Blue Tit 20 (+21); Great Tit 10 (+33); Nuthatch 4; Chaffinch 1.

Roudsea Woods and Mosses NNR on a spring morning

The first Marsh Tit of the 2011 R.A.S season

And what better way to kick-off the RAS season than with a fry-up on the trangia!

February's Totals Eskmeals and Rusland Valley 27/02/2011

2011-02-27T06:11:00.000-08:00

Present KH, RG, CG and JS (part time)
The Winter Thrushes have moved away and ringing will be slow for the next month unless the weather take a turn for the worst. The month totals are as follows, re-traps in brackets.
Wren (1), Dunnock (2), Robin 2 (3), Blackbird 1 (1), Fieldfare 2, Blackcap 4, Long-tailed Tit (1), Coal Tit 4 (5), Blue Tit 69 (15), Great Tit 38 (5), Chaffinch 10, Goldfinch 6 (1), Siskin 22 (1), Lesser Redpoll 20,Bullfinch (1).
The two things of note in the month were our preparation for our Spain ringing trip and our encounters with Kite Surfers when trying for Rock Pipits.

Ros Practises Taking Biometrics Ready For Spain

They who harass geese shall be harassed (eco warrior)

Spring arrives at Roudsesa

2011-02-26T08:37:00.000-08:00

26 February 2011. Present: JAF.

At last some spring sunshine and reasonable temperatures. Mainly maintenance (repairing and topping up feeders ready for the start of the RAS season next week), but a few birds caught (additional retraps/resightings in brackets): Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 (+1); Blue Tit 3 (+6); Great Tit (3); Marsh Tit 1 (+5).

The warmer weather brought out these little fellows

making their way to spawning sites

Miserable Monday at Roudsea

2011-02-21T08:25:00.000-08:00

21 February 2011, present: JAF, KW.

A promising start with 4 Marsh Tits in the first round before rain stopped play at nine o'clock. 23 birds processed, 13 new (additional retraps in brackets): Robin (1); Blackbird 1; Marsh Tit 2 (+2); Blue Tit 3 (+3); Great Tit 2 (+4); Nuthatch 2; Chaffinch 1; Lesser Redpoll 1.

Kim tries to stay cheerful

on a miserable Monday morning

processing the last few birds

before rain stopped play.

Hawk among the Tits at Roudsea

2011-02-18T09:12:00.000-08:00

17 February 2011; Present: JAF

68 birds processed, of which 42 new. The session was remarkable for an influx of Blue Tits. Additional retraps in brackets: Sparrowhawk 1; Robin 1; Blackbird 1; Marsh Tit (5, +2 field sightings); Coal Tit (2); Blue Tit 35 (+12); Great Tit 2 (+4); Nuthatch 2; Chaffinch 1.

A male Sparrowhawk makes a change from the plethora of tits

Roudsea Woods and Mosses NNR on a winter's afternoon

________________________________________

Roudsea, 18 February 2011, present JAF

70 birds processed, 30 new (additional retraps in brackets): Great Spotted Woodpecker 1; Marsh Tit (5); Coal Tit 1 (+2); Blue Tit 22 (+22); Great tit 3 (+11); Chaffinch 3.

Wednesday morning in the park

2011-02-16T05:49:00.000-08:00

Askam Park 16 February 2011. Present: JAF.

With the local kids safely locked up in the village school I was able to pass a couple of hours in the little park while waiting for the the engineer to come to service my gas boiler.

13 birds (11 new. retraps in brackets): Dunnock 2; Blackbird 2; Starling 3; House Sparrow 2; Greenfinch 1; Bullfinch 1 (+2).

A quiet corner of Askam village park.

The mist net is set in front of the hedge on the far right.

Record catch at Roudsea

2011-02-10T12:07:00.000-08:00

10 February 2011. Present: JAF

123 birds processed (45 new) represents a record catch for this site (previous best 94).
A retrapped Marsh Tit ringed on 3rd March 2003 is the oldest known bird in the wood and was a member of the first cohort of Marsh Tits in the RAS project.

Species list (additional retraps in brackets): Marsh Tit: 2 (+11); Coal Tit 2 (+9); Blue Tit 18 (+28); Great Tit 20 (+29); Nuthatch 1 (+1); Chaffinch 2.

"Old Faithful", (right below: blue above red; left below: metal)

is the oldest known bird in the wood

Hazel catkins in late winter sunshine in Roudsea Woods and Mosses NNR

A Satisfying Day At Hay Bridge

2011-02-09T11:12:00.000-08:00

08/02/2011

Present KH, RG, CG and JS part time.

A total of 104 birds were processed of 10 species, details are as follows (re- traps).

Robin 1, Long-tailed Tit 0(1), Marsh Tit 1, Coal Tit 1(2), Blue Tit 35(8), Great Tit 2(1), Chaffinch 8, Goldfinch 4 (1 Control), Siskin 21(1), Lesser Redpoll 17.

JS being a ringer who loves to ring waders decided to wader off and take photographs At the time of publishing the blog we were unable to use Jack's shots of the many birds in the area due to copy write restrictions , So those below were taken by the ringers present, in the only way they know how,

Large Siskin

Small Lesser Redpol

Marsh Tit Bonanza at Roudsea

2011-02-08T12:18:00.000-08:00

8 February 2011; present JAF, PM

A record number of Marsh Tits processed in a day, 13 new birds, 2 retraps and 4 field sighting of colour ringed birds.
52 birds ringed, 39 new. Ringing totals (additional retraps in brackets): Marsh Tit 13 (+2, +4); Coal Tit 2 (+3); Blue Tit 14 (+3); Great Tit 10 (+5).

The Librarienne Extraordinaire takes control of the paperwork

pre-Rassing Starts at Roudsea

2011-02-03T10:53:00.000-08:00

3 March 2011
Present: JAF, KW

February marks the start of pre-Rassing the Marsh Tits, now in its 10th year. The season starts officially on 1st March but February is the month for attempting to catch and colour-ring any remaining juveniles from last summer, locating and repairing feeders, and generally trying to find which birds are on territory which will facilitate locating them later.

39 birds were processed, 6 new. These included 1 new Marsh Tit, 3 retraps and two field sightings (additional retraps in brackets): Marsh Tit 1 (+5); Coal Tit 1 (+6); Blue Tit 1 (+11); Great Tit 1 (+11); Treecreeper (1); Chaffinch 1.

A plank nailed to a fallen log makes a suitable field station

(I think Kim might have just been bitten by that Great Tit)

Kim colour-rings a Marsh Tit

FIELD DAY AT ESKMEALS

2011-01-26T09:03:00.000-08:00

Present CG, RG, JS,AM, NH and MW.
A cold weather movement brought two old cock ringers South.
A total of 117 birds processed of which 83 were new. The 14 species were as follows, (re-traps):
FIELDFARE 34, Wren (1), Dunnock (1), Robin 5 (6), Blackbird 10 (4), Song Thrush 5 (2), Redwing 3, Blackcap 1 (3), Long-tailed Tit 9 (4), Coal Tit (1), Blue Tit 3 (5), Chaffinch 7 , Brambling 1, Bullfinch 5 (7).

Who has lost his binoculars?

Roudsea at Long Tom

2011-01-20T05:29:00.000-08:00

20 January 2010; Present: JAF, ES.

74 birds processed, 39 new: Marsh Tit 2 (+2); Coal Tit 4 (+3); Blue Tit 21 (+17); Great Tit 11 (+13); Nuthatch 1.

Emily processes a Blue Tit...

And then fries the bacon.

Blackbird - Deformed Bill

2011-01-14T11:47:00.000-08:00

KH.

As you may have noticed the B.T.O. are showing interest in birds with deformed bills. Here is one I caught some time ago and never saw again.

First Year Female

Woodcock recovery

2011-01-13T10:20:00.000-08:00

Does anybody remember this fellow? First appeared here when ringed a year ago (10 January 2010) at Askam Pits. Sadly, recovered shot 19 days later near Broughlane, Antrim, Northern Ireland, on 29th January 2010, a distance of 209 km.

Ringing and recovery places. I wonder if it stopped of on the

Isle of Man on its way over to Northern Ireland

Colour Ringed Waxwing Photographed Three Times

2011-01-13T10:12:00.000-08:00

This juvenile female was given three colour rings. Lime Green over White over Yellow and on the other leg a BTO Ring NW49498.

This on 27/11/2010 at Claremont Gardens, Nellfied, ABERDEEN

Ulverston, Cumbria 334 km SSW 21/12/2010 Ken Hindmarch

Hatfield, Hertfordshire 332km SSE 08/01/2011 John Yates

Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire 4.5 km NNE 11/01/2011 Chris Beach

View Waxwing map in a larger map

Hay Bridge - Red Kites and Winter Fires

2011-01-09T11:42:00.000-08:00

Present RG, CG, KH.

The plan was to catch finches, but the distraction of Red Kites flying overhead and a winter fire close by reduced the catch. 73 birds were processed, (15) re-traps and 1 control Redpoll.

Blackbird 1, Long-tailed Tit 3, Coal Tit 4 (2), Blue Tit 21(10), Great Tit 7, Chaffinch 6 (1), Goldfinch1, Siskin 4, Redpoll 11(2).

REDPOLL (KH's only photo not in hand)

SISKIN ( unfortunately after ringing)

First Visit To Eskmeals

2011-01-09T11:09:00.000-08:00

Present KH, AM, JF, RG, CG.

This visit produced 118 birds to process, including 34 (re-traps). They were as follows . Sparrowhawk 1, Wren2, Robin(1), Blackbird 13 (3), Fieldfare 11, Song Thrush 4(1), Redwing 10, Blackcap 4(2), Goldcrest 1, Long-tailed Tit 1(1), Coal Tit 3(1), Blue Tit 8(13) Great Tit (4), Treecreeper (1), Chaffinch 21, Bullfinch 5(7)

Redwing (Rosalyn's Favourite)

Fieldfare (An Eskmeals Speciality Enjoyed by All Members)

Private Garden Produces 23 Blackbirds In One December Visit 2010

2011-01-09T10:43:00.000-08:00

Present AM, CG, and RG.

This site produced 102 birds ringed with one Blue Tit control. They were as follows note no retraps. Dunnock 3, Robin 7, Blackbird 23, Coal Tit 1, Blue Tit 47, Great Tit 9, Chaffinch 8, Goldfinch 2, Yellowhammer 1.

Male Blackbird

Waxwing

2011-01-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

9 January 2011. Present: JAF, KH.
A Waxwing caught and ringed at Scales, Furness, represents the first ringing record of this species for the 01229 Ringing Group.

Waxwing, processed as 5M at Scales, Furness

Sunday morning in the Park

2011-01-09T03:29:00.000-08:00

9 January 2011; Present: JAF
Going well untill the kids turned up. Why do kids need to play in a park on a Sunday morning? Can't they meet up on Facebook?
Just 8 bird ringed before kids stopped play: Starling 1; Blackbird 1; Robin 2; Blue Tit 1; Bullfinch 3.

The first Starling I have ringed for some time!

First visit to Roudsea, 2011

2011-01-08T05:55:00.000-08:00

8th January 2011 Present JAF, KW
34 birds processed, 19 new (retraps in brackets): Blackbird 1; Long-tailed Tit 1 (+6); Marsh Tit 2 (+1); Coal Tit 2 (+3); Blue Tit 8 (+2); Great Tit 5 (+3).

Kim gets her pliers into action in 2011

Group's Totals For The Year

2010-12-22T09:30:00.000-08:00

Contributions by KH, CG, RG, AM. KW, JS and JAF.
4362 birds processed of 57 species ringed throughout the year and they were as follows(retraps/controls are in brackets and are in addition to the birds ringed):

Sparrowhawk 3; Moorhen 2; Oystercatcher 10 Pulli; Ringed Plover 138, 16 pulli;

Dunlin 63; Woodcock 2(1), Common Gull 1; Arctic Tern pulli 20; Little Tern pulli 4;

Tawny Owl 2, Kingfisher 1; Great Spotted Woodpecker 11(6); Swallow 8;

Meadow Pipit 4; Tree Pipit 2; Wren 72(27); Dunnock 97(31); Robin 163(87);

Black Redstart 1; Blackbird 177(36); Fieldfare 90; Song Thrush 72(9); Redwing 21(1);

Sedge Warbler 11; Reed Warbler 1(3); Lesser Whitethroat 15(2); Whitethroat 16;

Garden Warbler 6; Blackcap 80(11); Wood Warbler 2; Chiffchaff 57(10);

Willow Warbler 50(11); Goldcrest 67(22); Pied Flycatcher 3(1) 83 pulli;

Long-tailed Tit 61(48); Marsh Tit 39(73); Coal Tit 129(95); Blue Tit 598(236);

Great Tit 259(152); Nuthatch 12(5); Treecreeper 30(5); Jay 2; Starling 4;

House Sparrow 20; Tree Sparrow 8; Chaffinch 221(10); Brambling 1;

Greenfinch 14; Goldfinch 21(2); Siskin 32(2); Linnet 4; Lesser Redpoll 202(4);

Bullfinch 163(23); Yellowhammer 8; Reed Bunting 36(2); Twite 38(17).

Sparrowhawk Reduces Twite Catch

2010-12-16T05:35:00.000-08:00

Present JS, RG, CG, and KH.

A beautiful day on Askam Pier promised so much. As we were setting up the Whoosh Net three Peregrines were flying above. One of the males made a food pass to a female whilst a first year male screamed at them. The three then made off inland.The conditions were perfect and everything looked like the banner Photo. at the top of this blog. Within minutes the first catch produced 3 new birds 2 re-traps from this year and 1 from last year. We were about to press the button for a second time on the Twite when a male Sparrowhawk attacked. The Twite escaped and after hanging around for a minute or two the Sparrowhawk moved on. This was the last we saw of the Twite for 4 hours. When they returned they stayed on the steep rough rocky side of the pier.

This Years Colour Combination for the Duddon Estuary

Juvenile With Some Old Greater Coverts

Typical Wing Of Known Adult

Two Species Not Normally Caught at Eskmeals

2010-12-13T09:53:00.000-08:00

Present A.M. J.S. K.H. R.G. and C.G.

Although not unknown at this site Brambling and Tawny Owl were the highlights of December, so far. A total of 179 birds have been processed of 19 species. They were as follows (re-traps). Tawny Owl 1. Wren 1(4), Dunnock 1(5), Robin 4(7), Blackbird 19(6), Fieldfare 13, Song Thrush11(3), Redwing 1, Blackcap 5,Golcrest1(1), Long-tailed Tit 3(2), Coal Tit 6(6), Blue Tit 15(12), Great Tit (3), Treecreeper 1, Chaffinch 25, Brambling 1, Greenfinch 4, Bullfinch 14(12).

When ringing we don't always see the wildlife we would with a pair of binoculars and no distractions. Here are two shots, taken by our chief photographer, in the ringing area.

Stavanger Blackbird and Novembers Totals for Eskmeals

2010-11-30T08:35:00.000-08:00

Present: AM , RG, CG, JS and KH (Part Time)
A total of 404 birds were processed 120 of which were (re-traps) with one control.
Sparrowhawk 1, Great Spotted Woodpecker 1, Wren 10(4), Dunnock 4(2), Robin 19(24), Blackbird 38(8), Fieldfare 13, Song Thrush 14(4), Redwing 4(1), Blackcap 9(2), Goldcrest 10 (1), Long-tailed Tit 9(8), Coal Tit 5(11), Blue Tit 54(21), Great Tit 4(4), Treecreeper 3(2), Chaffinch 40(3), Greenfinch 2(0), Bullfinch 44(25) . Watch this space for where the Blackbird came from in Norway.

Colin Processes His First Sparrowhawk

Frozen toes at Roudsea

2010-11-20T09:17:00.000-08:00

Present: JAF

With the first real sharp frost of the winter, I wished I had worn a second pair of socks!

53 birds processed, of which 37 new (retraps in brackets): Great Spotted Woodpecker 1; Dunnock 1; Blackbird 1; Marsh Tit (3); Coal Tit 3 (+5); Blue Tit 7 (+4); Great Tit 3 (+3); Nuthatch (1); Chaffinch 7; Lesser Redpoll 12; Reed Bunting 2.

One of the retrap Marsh Tits (R426009) was ringed in April 2003 and is the oldest known bird in the wood.

Frosty morning at Roudsea Woods and Mosses National Nature Reserve

Askam Twite Season off with a Whoosh!!!

2010-11-12T06:03:00.000-08:00

Present KH, RG, AM, JS

32 Twite caught with the first one processed being a Control This bird had been caught 1 week earlier at Heysham Bird Observatory.If as most birds it had originated from NW Scotland it shows how mobile some birds are in winter. 3 others were re-traps with one being from 3 years earlier

Although the photograph below does not show it clearly this is an old slag bank. It sticks out into the Duddon Estuary.

Superb Twite Ringing Site (Lakeland Fells with First Winter Snow)

New Mist Net System Pays Off

2010-11-09T06:55:00.000-08:00

Present JS, AM, RG, CG, KH.
A total of 182 birds were processed of which 52 were re-traps. This was achieved over two days 6 and 7/11/2010. Seventeen species were caught. the details are as follows,re-traps in brackets.Wren 7(0), Dunnock 3(1), Robin 10(15), Blackbird 16(3), Fieldfare 4(0), Song Thrush 6(1), Redwing 3(0), Blackcap 5(0), Goldcrest 4(0), Long-tailed Tit 0(5), Coal Tit 5(5), Blue Tit 34(10), Great Tit 1(1), Treecreeper 2(1), Chaffinch 10(2), Greenfinch1(0), Bullfinch 19(8).
These numbers are typical for this time of year at Eskmeals except for the Blue Tit figure which is exceptionally high. A five year old Robin was a nice record, the longevity record for specie is 8 years old.

Centre Pole of a Double Net Arrangement

Close up View Showing Fence Wire Hooks and Elastic

On our site we are fortunate, we can leave the poles standing and providing a 102mm howitzer shell does not fall it is there the next time we visit. Nets furled overnight in winter are more often than not frozen solid.handling these and frozen poles is not pleasant. The photos. above shows how the elastic takes the weight of the net and any discrepancies in shelf string lentghs. We have found it better to put each net in the same place each time. The white elastic stays with the hooks on the poles. The green string is for tethering the nets as normal prior to bagging. Elastic is only used at one end of each net, hooks made from heavy duty fence wire run up and down freely at the other end.

A really portable playback system

2010-11-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

There has been considerable discussion on the BTO Ringers' forum recently about play-back speakers for use in attracting birds for ringing. Among the several recommendations was the XMI X-mini II Mini Speaker, available from Amazon, here.

XMI X-mini II Mini Speaker

I promptly bought one for use with my iPod Nano and found it to be so successful for attracting Lesser Redpolls and a range of other species, I bought another. I obtained a second iPod Nano cheaply on eBay. There are plenty of first-generation 1 GB Nanos available which have plenty of room for all the bird calls you are ever likely to need.

Both speaker systems pack tidily into the smallest kitchen box I could find

Roudsea, stuck in the gully

2010-10-30T04:11:00.000-07:00

30th October 2010
Present: KW, JAF
25 birds processed until rain stopped play at 10.00am (retraps in brackets): Robin (1); Blackbird 1; Marsh Tit 1 (+4); Coal Tit (6); Blue Tit 3 (+5); Great Tit (1); Nuthatch (1); Chaffinch 2.

Kim takes the opportunity to warm her fingers on her tea cup during a break

when nets were furled between showers

In the gully at Roudsea

2010-10-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

28th October 2010. Present: JAF
37 birds processed, 22 new (retraps in brackets): Great Spotted Woodpecker 1; Wren 1; Marsh Tit 2 (+1); Coal Tit 3 (+7); Blue Tit 7 (+3); Great Tit 6 (+4); Treecreeper 1; Lesser Redpoll 1.
Rain stopped play at 13.00.

Our site known as "The Gully" is sheltered from the wind on all sides

and can be worked in almost any conditions except continuous rain

Wreaks Moss 25 October 2010

2010-10-25T05:08:00.000-07:00

Present: JAF
26 birds processed, 18 new (retraps in brackets): Great Spotted Woodpecker 1; Robin 1; CoaL Tit 2 (+3); Blue Tit 6 (+5); Great Tit 2; Treecreeper 1; Chaffinch 3; Redpoll 2.

Wreaks Moss on a fine but frosty morning

Ringing station with hoar frost on the field behind

Askam Pits 24 October 2010

2010-10-24T04:15:00.000-07:00

Present JAF
27 birds ringed, 25 new (retraps in brackets): Wren (1); Dunnock 1; Goldcrest 2; Coal Tit 4; Blue Tit 5 (+5); Great Tit 10; Treecreeper 1; Chaffinch 1.

The feeding station is in the willow scrub on the far side of the pond

Roudsea 20 October 2010

2010-10-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

Present: KW, JAF
29 birds processed, 25 new (retraps in brackets):
Robin 2; Goldcrest 3; Long-tailed Tit 6 (+1); Marsh Tit 1; Coal Tit (1); Blue Tit 5 (+1); Great Tit 7; Chaffinch 1 (+1).

Kim praying for a good catch at an improvised ringing station in Roudsea Woods

Eskmeals 16/10/2010

2010-10-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

Present AM. JS. RG. KH
A total of 98 birds processed of 14 species. They were as follows (re-traps). Wren 7(1), Dunnock 5(2), Robin 7(8), Blackbird 8(4), Song Thrush 3, Blackcap 2, Goldcrest7(1), Long-tailed Tit 7(5), Coal Tit 2(1), Blue Tit 5(4), Great Tit1(1), Treecreeper 1, Chaffinch 6, Bullfinch 9(1).
As can be seen "AA" species were the most abundant the thrushes having not arrived in numbers.

AM manages to escape shed but not net.

Roudsea: Lottis boost the catch

2010-10-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

17th October 2010. Present KW, JAF
48 birds processed, 4 retraps, 1 control (retraps in brackets):
Robin 1; Long-tailed Tit 4 (+3); Treecreeper 1; Coal Tit (1); Redpoll 31 (+1 control); Reed Bunting 6.

Roudsea in October, the streets paved with gold

Kim extracts a Reed Bunting...

...and rings it

Eskmeals 9/10/2010 & 10/10/2010

2010-10-15T04:11:00.000-07:00

Present AM, JS, CG, RG.
A total of 149 birds of 15 species were processed of which (22) were re-traps. They were as follows: Wren 6. Dunnock 2(2), Robin 20(5), Blackbird 12(2), Song Thrush 5, Blackcap 4, Chiffchaff 4, Golcrest 4, Lotti 7 (3), Coal Tit 2, Blue Tit 23(4), Great Tit 7(1), Treecreeper 4, Chaffinch 12, Bullfinch 15(2).

Kirksanton 12/10/2010 & 14/10/2010

2010-10-15T03:52:00.000-07:00

Present AM, RG, CG, and JS, KH (part time)

Over the two days 70 birds were caught with (13) re-traps. They were as follows: Wren 5(1), Goldcrest 3(1), Treecreeper 1, Blackbird 9(4), Grespo 2, Song Thrush 1, Robin 5(3), Reed Bunting 3(1), Redpoll 4, Dunnock 1, Bullfinch1(1), Chaffiinch 1, Blue Tit 8(2), Linnet 4, Coal Tit 2, Lotti 6, Song Thrush 1.

Too busy to admire the view

Just a nice shot

Net Clips ( Patent Pending )

2010-10-14T06:41:00.000-07:00

There are many different systems on all the ways we catch, and each ringer has his own personal techniques and some ringers are constantly trying to improve on perfection. So here is yet another one born out of frustration with tangled nets. The photos. below are of clips used to re-seal plastic bags. They are of minimal cost but get the ones with a mechanical hinge not the ones that clip together by bending at the end as they will eventually break. When held this way the net loops will not feed through each other. When taking down a net the clip is held in the up position at all times. This will ensure that you will not have to take twists out of the net length when next putting up the net. The net can't twist along its length as it is put into the bag.

The two ends of a net firmly clipped ready for bagging

The clip in positioned whilst the net is still on the pole

Inner edges cut away to allow for the North Ron. net loops extra thickness

These clips can be used as an aid when furling, to hold the furled net together along the length. If used in this way care must be taken to ensure the net will not part open by use of the appropriate number of clips.

THIS WAS A COLIN AND KEN CO-PRODUCTION

Ken's Garden First

2010-10-13T09:05:00.000-07:00

Present KH.

Two firsts were achieved today . Twenty birds in a day and a Tree Sparrow. The birds were as follows; 7 House Sparrows, 1 Tree Sparrow, 7 Blue Tits, 4 Coal Tits, 1 Dunnock. There were no re-traps

I have never seen one in my garden in 35 years

Roudsea 10 October 2010

2010-10-10T04:01:00.000-07:00

Present: KW, JAF
55 birds processed, 46 new (retraps in brackets): Wren 2; Robin (1); Goldcrest 1; Marsh Tit 5 (+1); Coal Tit 7 (+2); Blue Tit 21 (+4); Great Tit 9 (+1); Treecreeper 1.

Kim extended her training experience with her first Goldcrest.

Wreaks Moss 9 October 2010

2010-10-09T06:46:00.000-07:00

Present: JAF
A short maintenance visit, 20 birds captured, 19 new (retrap in brackets):
Coal Tit 3 (+1); Blue Tit 11; Great Tit 2; Treecreeper 1; Chaffinch 2.

Redpolls at Roudsea, 7th October 2010

2010-10-07T07:30:00.001-07:00

Present: JAF
A nice Autumn day at Roudsea Woods and Mosses, specifically to target Redpolls with tape lures.
A successful morning with 84 Redpolls captured (including 1 control) among a total of 92 birds (retraps in brackets):
Dunnock 1; Robin (1); Goldcrest 2; Blue Tit (1); Siskin 1; Redpoll 79 (+4+1); Reed Bunting 3.

Adult male Redpoll

First winter Redpoll showing clear moult limit in secondary covert tract

Next Ness - Kingfisher saves the day

2010-10-04T04:38:00.000-07:00

4 October 2010, Present: JAF
A disappointing 15 birds processed (10 new) probably because of feeders being filled in local gardens: (retraps in brackets).
Kingfisher 1; Coal Tit 1; Blue Tit 3 (+3); Great Tit 1 (+2); Treecreeper 1; Chaffinch 3.

Kingfisher at Next Ness

Roudsea 2 October 2010

2010-10-02T10:52:00.000-07:00

Present: JAF
94 birds processed, of which 82 new (retraps in brackets):
Meadow Pipit 2; Wren 0 (1); Robin 4; Goldcrest 1; Marsh Tit 1 (2); Coal Tit 10 (5); Blue Tit 9 (1); Great Tit 10 (3); Nuthatch 2; Chaffinch 5; Redpoll 34; Reed Bunting 4.

First-winter Robin showing clear moult limit in secondary coverts

Male Reed Bunting

Reed Bunting tail feathers

Kirksanton

2010-09-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

28 September 2010

Present: AM, JS, KH, CG, RG, and JAF.

The site is a new one for the 01229 Group, a stubblefield which had been used recently by flocks of finches and buntings. We decided to give it a try. It was a successful morning with 40 new birds representing 14 species:

Meadow Pipit 2; Wren 2; Dunnock 5; Robin 3; Blackbird 1; Song thrush 2; Whitethroat 1; Chiffchaff 1; Coal Tit 1; Great Tit 1; Tree Sparrow 7; Chaffinch 1; Yellowhammer 8; Reed Bunting 5.

Kirksanton lies on the coast north from Millom and South from Silecroft.

200 feet of single shelf net across the stubble field did catch some birds

but most were caught near the hedges around the edge of the field

Ken, Colin and Rosalyn looking busy

This Yellowhammer was one of 8 ringed

A smart looking Tree Sparrow

Roslyn extends her training experience with a Tree Sparrow

101 Scored at Eskmeals September Visit.

2010-09-28T08:28:00.000-07:00

Present; AM, JS, CG, RG, and KH.
Although bright and sunny 101 birds caught . Ninety new birds and eleven (retraps). The 14 species were as follows: Wren 2, Dunnock 9, Robin 14(4) , Blackbird 2(1) , Blackcap 1(1) , Chiffchaff 1 , Goldcrest 2(1) , Long-tailed Tit (9) , Coal Tit 3(2) . Blue Tit 15(1) , Great Tit 8 , Chaffinch 7 , Greenfinch 5 , Bullfinch 12(1)

Ringer and Bird, Colour Co-ordinated.

Juvenile Goldcrest 5.8 Grammes (he will be a big help to his mum when he grows up.)

Next Ness 3 September 2010

2010-09-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

Present: JAF
42 birds processed, 34 new. This brings the total birds ringed at this site in the last two visits to 101.

Birds processed (retraps in brackets): Dunnock (1); Blackcap1; Chiffchaff 3; Blue Tit 20 + (3); Great Tit 3 + (2); Treecreeper 1 + (1); Chaffinch 3 + (1); Bullfinch 3.

Juvenile male Bullfinch undergoing partial post-juvenile moult

The path through the Cumbria Wildlife Trust reserve at Next Ness

runs parallel to the railway line (on the left) and looks overgrown at this time of year.

Walney Golf Course

2010-08-31T05:40:00.000-07:00

31 August 2010 Present: KH; JAF
23 new birds ringed: Wren 1; Dunnock 2; Robin 3; Blackbird 5; Blackcap 1; Blue Tit 5; Great Tit 3; Chaffinch 3.

Walney Golf Course site - the reed beds have extended considerably over the summer

Adult Dunnock in heavy wing and tail moult

Eyed Hawk Moth found when cutting rides

2010-08-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

Photograph Rosalyn Gay

Record catch at Next Ness

2010-08-13T06:15:00.000-07:00

13th August 2010
Present: KH, JAF
67 Birds processed, 65 new (retraps in brackets): Wren 1; Dunnock 2; Blackbird 1; Chiffchaff 3; Coal Tit 2; Blue Tit 31 (1); Great Tit 19 (1); Treecreeper (1); Chaffinch 6.
This represents the largest catch by far at this ringing site.

This juvenile Chaffinch undergoing post-juvenile moult has enough pink breast feathers

growing thorough to be able to sex it as male

You can see more pictures and information about our Next Ness site here.

Siskin at Roudsea

2010-08-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

12 August 2010
Present: JAF
30 birds processed (retraps in brackets): Marsh Tit: 1 (2); Coal Tit 6; Blue Tit 6 (1); Great Tit 8 (1); Nuthatch 1; Siskin 1; Redpoll 3.

This crazy young Siskin was attracted to a Redpoll tape!

This handsome male Redpoll was among the three that were caught

Growth bars at Askam Park

2010-08-08T05:42:00.000-07:00

Present ES, JAF; 8 August 2010
Just eight birds processed before the kids got up and start playing in the park.
Blackbird 3; Dunnock 1; Robin 1; Chaffinch 1; House Sparrow 2.

Here are more pictures of Askam Park

Emily has to watch her head as she rings a Blackbird under the tailgate of my X-trail

This juvenile House Sparrow displays a conspicuous growth bar in the tail.

Evidently there was a period of curtailed growth - perhaps during heavy rain

Getting into moult at Roudsea

2010-08-05T03:48:00.000-07:00

4th August 2010
Present: KW and JAF
We erected 5 x 18m and 2 x 12m nets, one at a baited site.
We processed 32 birds of which 6 were retraps (in brackets) : Great Spotted Woodpecker (1); Wren 1; Robin 1; Blackcap 2; Chiffchaff (1); Willow Warbler 3; Marsh Tit 3; Coal Tit 3; Blue Tit 4 (1); Great Tit 4 (3); Redpoll 5.

A single black feather in the crown is sufficient to sex this juvenile Blackcap as a male

Kim undertakes her first primary moult score with this Great Tit

A rather moth-eaten looking adult Blackcap in active primary moult (three feathers in the centre are growing)

Friday Night Saturday Morning

2010-07-26T11:24:00.000-07:00

Date 23/24/07/2010. Present: RG; CG; AM; JS and KH.

There were twenty species ringed and one-hundred and fifteen birds processed. They were as follows,( re-traps). Wren 3(1), Swallow 2, Dunnock 8, Robin 14(1), Blackbird 6, Song Thrush 1, Lesser Whitethroat 4, Whitethroat 4, Blackcap 7(1), Chiffchaff 10(1), Willow Warbler 9(1), Goldcrest 7, Long-tailed Tit 1, Coal Tit 5, Blue Tit 5(1), Great Tit 11(1), Jay 1, Chaffinch 2, Redpoll 4, Bullfinch 3.

As would be expected over 100 of the birds were aged "3" or "3J"

Below is a photo. of something that caused a minor diversion from ringing. As ringers, some of the party, regard these as simply exotic bird food.

Brown-tailed Moth

Photograph A.M.

Dunnock admiring Colin. Sorry Colin no room for photo. of you admiring the Dunnock

Final Foulney Figures

2010-07-15T01:39:00.000-07:00

Present JS and KH.
The Foulney pullus ringing season lasts only 4 weeks and here are the final figures.
Little Tern 4, Ringed Plover 16, Attic Tern 20 and Oystercatcher 10. The number of birds fledged was considerably higher for all species than those ringed with Ringed Plover and Little Tern doing particularly well. David this years warden was very dedicated and well done the rest of the Cumbria Wildlife Trust team.

Seaside Visit 30/06/2010

2010-07-01T04:28:00.000-07:00

Present KH, JS and MW.
The following pullus were ringed. Oystercatcher 1, Artic Tern 10, Ringed Plover 8, Little Tern 2.
The Ringed Plover and Oystercatchers over the years have evolved faster sprinting speeds. To counter this the net below has been developed and patented.

Maynall's back-hand cross beach stroke was that fast we were unable to take photographs so these stills will have to suffice

Among the 3Js at Roudsea

2010-06-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

Present JAF; KH.

Our first significant catch of juveniles this year. A totals of 18 birds were captured (retraps in brackets): Wren 1 (1); Robin 6 (0); Blackbird 1 (0); Willow Warbler 2 (0); Marsh tit 1 (0); Great Tit 0 (1); Redpoll 2 (0).

Roudsea Wood on a June morning

Ken extracts a Blackcap

A 3J Robin is nicely enmeshed

Our first juvenile Marsh Tit of the year receives its colour rings for the RAS project

Waders at Priory Point (Morecambe Bay)

2010-05-29T04:04:00.000-07:00

Present JS, AM, RG, CG and KH date 28/05/2010

A last minute assembly was called by the Master of Arms as an opportunity to catch some late migrant waders presented itself.

A mixed flock of these had been located

One Hundred and Thirty -eight of these were caught and processed. One of which was a re-trap from the same beach two years earlier. Another was a BTO control along with a control with a Belgium ring.

Sixty - three of these were processed.One control was made which had a French ring.

All these photographs were taken on the actual beach where the birds were caught prior to the tide pushing them up to the shingle area higher up the beach.

Eskmeals May Totals

2010-05-25T04:25:00.000-07:00

Present; AM, JS, RG, CG and KH.

A total of 103 birds were processed. The following are the species ringed with (retraps). Wren 5(3). Dunnock 4(6), Robin 5(4), Blackbird 6(1), Song Thrush 2, Lesser Whitethroat 7(2), Whitethroat 2. Blackcap 12(2), Chiffchaff 1(3), Willow Warbler 12(5), Goldcrest 2(1), Long-tailed Tit (1), Blue Tit (1), Great Tit 1(2) Chaffinch 2, Goldfinch2, Redpoll 2, Bullfinch 2(1)
The photograph below shows what else can be seen at Eskmeals and was the reward for some ride clearance work. Cumbria is on its Northern edge with only one record for Scotland

EYED HAWKMOTH

Two Saturdays in May

2010-05-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

Present J.S. : A.M. ; C.G. ; R.G. and K.H.
The following birds were processed,(retraps) on two typical Saturdays in May.
Wren 4(3), Dunnock 2(4), Robin 4(2), Blackbird 2, Lesser Whitethroat 5(2), Blackcap 8(2), Chiffchaff 1(3), Willow Warbler 10(5), Goldcrest 2(1), Coal Tit 2(1), Blue Tit (1), Great Tit1(2), Chaffinch 2, Goldfinch 2, Redpoll 2, Bullfinch 1.
The two retrapped Lesser Whitethroats were returning birds ,but the two retrapped Blackcaps had been caught earlier in this year

Wood Warblers

2010-05-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

Present KH and JS

The drier woods in South Cumbria are alive with Wood Warblers. Below are two photographs which with other clues help identify this specie in the hand .

The second primary aligns with the fourth. Strong yellow eye stripe and white lower parts.

Foulney Returns

2010-05-16T08:53:00.001-07:00

KH
I received today two ringing returns . Both were Oystercatchers ringed as pulli on Foulney last summer. A total of 10 were ringed and as we all know the first year of life is the critical one for survival. I assume they were found as part of a beach survey this winter looking for dead "Oinks". Last winter was one of the worst and I will be looking with interest to see how birds survived on the bay.

Roudsea 15.5.2010

2010-05-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

Present: JAF, KW.
We had 2 x (3 x 60ft) nets in the scrub along quarry ride.
18 birds processed (retraps in brackets): Tree Pipit 2; Dunnock 1; Garden Warbler 3; Chiffchaff 1 (1); Willow Warbler 1 (1); Coal Tit 0 (1); Great Tit 1; Treecreeper 3; Redpoll 2; Bullfinch 1.

The 3 Treecreepers were our first 3Js of the year and caught together, evidently belonging to the same brood.

Kim extends her ringing training experience with her first Tree Pipit

Next Ness 09.05.2010

2010-05-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

Present: JAF, KW.
10 Birds processed (retraps in brackets) Garden Warbler 1; Robin 1; Blackbird 3; Wren 1 (1); Bullfinch 3.

The wet willow and alder carr of Next Ness, perhaps looking more like the Everglades.

Map and more pictures of Next Ness here.

Kim extends her ringing training experience with her first Garden Warbler

Tawny Owl, Roudsea

2010-05-06T02:06:00.000-07:00

May 5th 2010. Present: JAF, KH

Ken is about to release a Tawny Owl as he extends his ringing experience into the Strigidae

The first Acros at Roudsea

2010-05-03T06:20:00.000-07:00

May 3rd 2010.
Present: JAF, KW.

15 birds processed (retraps in brackets):
Song Thrush 1 (0); Sedge Warbler 3 (0); Reed Warbler 1 (2); Blue Tit 4 (2); Chaffinch 1 (0); Reed Buntng 0 (1).

Roudsea Woods and Mosses NNR has a fringe of Phragmites bed skirting the southern side, along the Leven Estuary which provides a habitat for a few pairs of Acrocephalus warblers, and offers a diversion from ringing tits at feeders.

Kim extends her ringing training experience* with her first Reed Bunting

(also with Reed and Sedge warblers)

(*Note how we assiduously avoid using the expression "ringing tick"!)

Two Chiffchaffs Return to Eskmeals 17/04/2010

2010-04-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

Present: KH. JS. AM. CG. RG.
A total of 63 birds were caught of 14 species. They were as follows, (re-traps).
Robin 2(3) Blackcap1(0) Blackbird 5(0) Bullfinch 4(3) Dunnock 6(2) Blue Tit 4(2) Wren 5(1) Chiffchaff 8(2) Willow Warbler 5(0) Long-tailed Tit 0(2) Goldfinch 2(0) Chaffinch 2(0) Coal Tit 1(0) Lesser Redpoll 3(0).

A. M. giving a wing measurement "Master Class"

Roudsea - Australian assistance

2010-04-10T09:52:00.000-07:00

This morning's visit to Roudsea was with Australian friend Simon Cotter on a birding visit to England over Easter. We ringed down near the marsh and processed just 14 birds: 9 new, 4 local retraps and 1 Blue Tit control (recaptures in brackets): Blue Tit 1 (4); Great Tit 1 (1); Coal Tit 1 (0); Robin 1 (0); Treecreeper 1 (0); Chaffinch 2 (0); Reed Bunting 2 (0).

Simon at the ringing station at Roudsea Woods and Mosses National Nature Reserve

Simon seems pleased with his Reed Bunting

Male Reed Bunting

Chiffchaff Migrant? 27/03/2010

2010-04-01T02:08:00.000-07:00

Present KH AM JS MW RG.
The idea was for some ringing but ride preparation for the summer was priority.
Almost immediately we caught a Chiffchaff which had been previously caught on 19/09/2009. This split the team into two camps. Two people thought it had possibly over-wintered and the other three that it was a returning migrant. The pros and cons to the discussion I leave you to work out. The re-trap Blackcaps were initially caught on the same date as the Chiffchaff but obviously had over-wintered.
The totals for the species ringed (re-traps) were as follows: Blackbird 2; Goldcrest 2(1); Chiffchaff (1); Dunnock 3(1); Robin 3(3); Blue Tit 1; Great Tit 1; Blackcap 1(2).

GRESPO with Brown on Wings 23/03/2010

2010-03-24T03:14:00.000-07:00

Present KH

After some hard conservation work a little light ringing was the order of the day. The following were the birds ringed(re-traps). Marsh Tit 1: Great Tit 9(3); Coal Tit 4; Blue Tit 5; Robin 1; Nuthatch 1; Great Spotted Woodpecker (1).

First ringed as a 6 Female 13/01/2009. The brown was not noticed then!

Roudsea Woods - Rassing 7 March 2010

2010-03-07T04:32:00.000-08:00

Present: JAF, JH

A good start with four Marsh Tits until bright sunshine reached the net and curtailed further catching.

18 birds processed, 8 new, 10 local retraps (retraps in brackets):

Marsh Tit 1 (3); Coal Tit 2 (0); Blue Tit 5 (3); Great Tit 0 (4).

Jenny sits on the log and processes a Blue Tit

Roudsea Woods - Rassing Update 3-5 March 2010

2010-03-05T10:52:00.000-08:00

Present: JAF, KH, KW

Visits to Roudsea on three consecutive days, processed 117 birds of which 36 new and 81 local retraps (retraps in brackets):

Great Spotted Woodpecker 0 (2); Robin 2 (0); Blackbird 2 (0); Marsh Tit 1 (21); Coal Tit 3 (5); Blue Tit 19 (28); Great Tit 7 (23); Nuthatch 0 (2); Chaffinch 1 (0).

By 5th March, we have accounted already for 42 Marsh Tits, 17 recaptures (or re-sightings) from previous RAS seasons, and 25 "new entries" into the RAS population.

Kim processes a Blackbird at Roudsea Woods and Mosses NNR

High Tides Bring Pipits 02/03/2010

2010-03-03T07:43:00.000-08:00

Present JS and KH

The highest tides of the year provide opportunities to meet old friends. Whilst waiting to confirm yet another winter visit from our Scandinavian Rock Pipit, caught previously with a Norwegian ring, we took the opportunity to place some single shelf nets and a whoosh net just above the high tide. Since catching the bird and using blown up images of the ring when we were unable to catch, the bird has developed its own recognisable "GISS ". This is the fifth winter and so far we have not had any luck, but have caught Water and Rock Pipit. See photographs below.

Water Pipit Wing

Rock Pipit Tail

Water Pipit Tail

Rock Pipit

Water Pipit

March 1st - Rassing commences at Roudsea

2010-03-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

Present: JAF and KW.

Today was the first official day of our Marsh Tit "RAS Season". We got off to a flying start with 10 Marsh Tits processed and an additional dozen field observations of colour-ringed birds.

37 birds of six species were processed, 9 new and 28 local retraps (retraps in brackets):

Marsh Tit 1 (9); Coal Tit 2 (3); Blue Tit 5 (10); Great Tit 0 (5); Jay 1 (0); Chaffinch 0 (1).

By Ancient Custom and Practice, the first day of the RAS Season is marked by a cooked breakfast.
Kim attends to the bacon sizzling in the Trangia in the field kitchen.

Kim seems pleased with her first Jay.
I believe she went home with all ten fingers intact.

The Jay was processed as an adult male

Chardonnerets versus Mist Net 26/02/2010

2010-02-26T03:26:00.000-08:00

Present KH.

It was not an ideal day for a mist net ,a little too much wind. I decided to place 3 Chardonneret and 1 Potter Trap on a wall with a 40 foot Superfine Mist Net close by. The Cardonnerret out performed the Mist Net and the potter trap was a complete waste of time . Joe Public puts up the fat balls on the trees and I simply move them into the traps.

It only take one minute to set up

Dog walkers pass by and never notice the traps

Next Ness 16/02/2002

2010-02-16T04:51:00.000-08:00

Present: JAF, KW

Next Ness is a small boggy woodland strip (mainly alders and willow) running parallel to the railway line. It is owned and managed by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, to whom we are grateful for permission to ring there. The wood is habitat for Teal, Moorhen, Kingfisher, Siskin and various tits and finches.

Today we processed 24 birds, of which 19 were new (retraps in brackets):

Wren 1 (0); Coal Tit 1 (1); Blue Tit 8 (3); Great Tit 3 (1); Chaffinch 4 (0); Bullfinch 2 (0).

Next Ness CWT Nature Reserve is the strip of woodland alongside the railway line.
The approximate position of the feeding station is arrowed.

There is just one site where a 120-foot net can be stretched across
the swampy woodland through the tangle of willow and alder

The improvised field station at Next Ness Nature Reserve

ASKAM PARK 15/02/2010
Present: JAF

Another attempt yesterday at the House Sparrows was thwarted by noisy children playing in the park during Half Term. Why couldn't they go somewhere else?
Ringed: Blackbird 2; Song Thrush 1; Greenfinch 1; Bullfinch 1; House Sparrow 3.

Elusive Finches Hay Bridge 12/02/2010

2010-02-15T05:18:00.000-08:00

present K.H.

Hay Bridge Deer Reserve has many feeders and attracts numbers of photographers taking the easy option of obtaining stunning shots of finches around the feeders. The birds are so approachable the photographers with the large lenses are three times the distance away that the birds will normally accept. There should be signs up warning of flash photography. Although large flocks of Siskin and Redpoll were present, they were not going to be caught.

36 birds were processed of which 32 were new, re-traps in brackets. Blackbird 1(0) Coal Tit 2(0) Blue Tit 20(4) Great Tit 7(0) Chaffinch 2(o)

Behind the Hut at Roudsea 14/02/2010

2010-02-14T05:42:00.000-08:00

Present: JAF, KW.

Worked behind the Hut at Roudsea Woods and Mosses NNR

61 birds processed of which 26 were new (retraps in brackets):

Great Spotted Woodpecker 0, (1); Robin 1(0); Marsh Tit 1, (3); Coal Tit 0, (2); Blue Tit 14 (12); Great Tit 5, (16); Nuthatch 0, (1); Chaffinch 4 (0); Redpoll 1 (0).

Century Before Lunch (Eskmeals 13 /02/ 2010)

2010-02-13T09:37:00.001-08:00

Present: KH, JS, A. MacK, MW, JAF

Our Director of Studies gave a demonstration of how not to handle birds of prey. Photographs of the bloody outcome are available for those who have a strong stomach.

129 birds were processed of which 98 were new, re-traps shown in brackets.

Sparrowhawk 1(0); Woodcock 1(0); Wren 2(0); Dunnock 3(0); Robin 5(2); Blackbird11(6); Fieldfare 28(0); Song Thrush 6(0); Redwing 11(0); Blackcap 7(0);Goldcrest 1(5); Long-tailed Tit
0(3); Coal Tit 1(3); Blue Tit 2(3); Great Tit 1(1); Chaffinch 8(2); Bullfinch 10(6).

Ken and Jack process a Woodcock

One of the 28 FieldfaresRinged

One of the Seven Wintering Blackcaps Caught

Bottom End at Roudsea 12/02/2010

2010-02-12T09:36:00.000-08:00

Present: JAF, KW

Ringed at a feeder in the coppiced hazel stands at the bottom end (SE corner) of Roudsea Woods and Mosses NNR.

55 birds were processed, of which 33 were new and one Blue Tit was a control:

Long-tailed Tit 2, (o); Marsh Tit 0, (1); Coal Tit 4, (o); Blue Tit 14, (10); Great Tit 11, (11); Nuthatch 2 (0).

Only a single recent retrap Marsh Tit was disappointing.

Working amidst the coppiced hazel trees