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)

Friday, 19 October 2012

Twite Season Begins

The first whoosh netting attempt of the Autumn for Twite at Heysham Harbour this morning.  A few Twite have been present over the last week, together with Goldfinch and Linnets.

This morning's session saw 41 new + 1 retrap Goldfinch,  2 new + 1 retrap Linnet and 5 Twite captured.  Almost 50% of the Goldfinch were aged as still being 3J, notwithstanding the lateness of the season.

The colour combination in use for Twite on the left leg below is Red/Blue split colour over Pale Blue plain  (on the right leg BTO metal only).

We would ask any observers finding Twite in the area to look out for colour rings and, if possible, report an estimate of the ringed/unringed ratio of birds in the flock together with colour combinations if they can be seen. The split colours can be hard to read in the field but the plain colour itself indicates the ringing site (i.e. Pale Blue for Heysham,  Yellow for Duddon Estuary etc.) so reading this colour alone is very useful.

ajd

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