NLRG was formed in 1957 to help in the study of birds in the Lancaster and District Birdwatching Society area. There are currently 12 active ringers. Species currently being studied include: Pied Flycatcher, Bearded Tit, Sand Martin, Twite, Goosander, Oystercatcher and Grey Wagtail. Migration has been studied for 28 years at Heysham. We welcome anyone who wants to observe, help or perhaps wish to become a ringer. Photo: A Heysham-ringed Twite on the Mull of Kintyre (thanks to Eddie Maguire)

Wednesday, 5 November 2008

Goldfinches Galore


Many garden bird watchers have reported a marked increase in Goldfinches coming to their feeders over the past few years. Usually they report them in small numbers with anything over 5 together being unusual.

This past year has been exceptional. To give you some idea as to how many may be visiting your garden. Andrew Cadman in his small garden in Over Kellet has ringed just over 150 this year a hundred of these this autumn. The most Andrew has seen at once in his garden is 5.

From Andrew's ringing we are beginning to find out a little about the movements of this increasing bird. An April ringed bird was found a month later on the Island of Islay off the West Scottish coast. While another ringed in November in Nottigham was found in Over Kellet almost exactlly a year later.
Photo taken from LDBWS site & by Steph Sims. Thanks for this.

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