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)

Sunday 9 November 2008

Knot on Heysham Heliport


The recently published Lancashire Bird Report [obtainable from e.g. Leighton Moss shop] ringing section details the sightings history of several Knot bearing a mixture of colour rings and flags

There were a "few thousand" on the heliport seawall this morning (or earlier/later in the tide cycle on the Near Naze rocks (see photo)) and some high tides & gales coming up which should send them on to the heliport grass at high tide [but it only needs one Peregrine or dog walker to shift them].

Recent sightings at Heysham include birds ringed in Norway, Germany and The Netherlands with sightings of some of these birds in Iceland, Norway and back on the Waddensea. All these contribute massively to the understanding of the value of Morecambe Bay, the Waddensea and the Wash for wintering Knot, and how conditions here might affect the migration route back to their Canadian breeding grounds.

Likely colour ring combinations include 4 rings and a coloured flag, possibly with the flag above the 'knee'. Alternatively they might include a flag above the knee with three letters on. All sightings are of great value so please send any at Heysham to Richard.
c17,500 on the heliport/grass on 11/11/08

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